Walsall Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)

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Measuring Childhood Obesity in Walsall & Nationally

Walsall’s Child Measurement Team was formed in 2006 and has continued to work above and beyond the requirements of the NCMP.  With the valuable support of Walsall schools, we are able to collect robust data for all children in Reception (4-5yrs), Y4 (8-9yrs), Y6 (10-11yrs) and Y10 (14-15yrs). This data is available to be shared with our partners and analysed in many ways to inform commissioned services to help improve outcomes.

All measurements are fed back to parents within a week of the measurements taking place with the offer of further support and advice if required. We would encourage parents to contact these services in the first instance with any queries. Schools are encouraged to direct calls back to the measurement team or to the age-specific number on the letters. Please see example letters at the links below.

The Child Measurement Team works closely with School Health, the Physical Activity Team, Young Peoples Health Advisor, and Walsall Council’s Sports and Leisure Services to co-ordinate obesity services within the borough (see links to all these teams on webpage).

Brownhills Healthy Living Project (BHLP)

Our local team was involved in this SERCO funded project covering 7 schools and every child in each school was measured twice in 2007/08.

The intended outcome is for families to adopt a more healthy approach to living.

This project has now evolved and the Child Measurement Team is still committed to working with the BHLP until the end of the 2011/12 school year.

Childhood Obesity National Support Team (NST) Visit 2008

The establishment and extension of the weighing and measuring programme above the national guidance was deemed a particular strength.

Walsall tPCT demonstrated innovative practice with plans to reduce absent and opt-out levels and goes above and beyond the national targets.

What it’s really all about...

‘Thanks for your letter regarding my son’s weight. To be honest, I had acknowledged myself that his weight was becoming a problem so we have made some positive changes as a family.

As a single Mum working full time, I'm not able to spend as much time with my kids as I would like, I buy treats to make me feel less guilty. I do cook healthy family meals but I know it's snacks and lack of exercise that have contributed to the gradual weight gain.

I haven't made a big deal out of it, I have made it 'getting healthy' for all of us. I know what it's like to the other extreme as I was overweight as a child and a flippant comment from my Father resulted in me suffering from Anorexia and bulimia, something I don't want for either of my children.

As a family, we are now trying to take more exercise together. The kids have a choice of fruit and yoghurt for dessert and fruit for snacks. I haven't cut out all the treats as gradual changes are better as we are aware. I just hope we can maintain it!’

Example Letters

Walsall Child Measurement Team (local coordination of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP))

Sharon Jones – NCMP Lead Sharon.jones@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk

Rebecca Turner – NCMP Assistant Rebecca.turner@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk

Lifestyle Services

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

12 Portland Street

Walsall

WS2 8AB

Tel: 01922 748982

Mobile: 07500 050653