THOUSANDS of children are once again being weighed and measured in schools across Bournemouth and Poole as part of a national drive to cut the number of obese children, which has trebled in the last 20 years.

Reception year pupils are being assessed by school nurses at the moment, and year 6 children will follow in January. Parents will be told of their child’s results in letters to be sent out by the schools.

The national child measurement programme, now in its sixth year, has at times been controversial. Last year, some local parents complained after receiving letters telling them their children were overweight. Since then, changes have been made.

School nurse Bonita Matthews, who looks after Poole schools, said: “We work in partnership with the schools. We supply letters to go out and they have been formulated in partnership with parents.

“It’s a very sensitive subject and we’re aware of that, but it’s not about targeting: it’s about looking at the community as a whole.”

The children taking part in the programme are classified as underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese.

In 2008-9, 8.3 per cent of local reception year children were obese, compared to 9.6 per cent in England as a whole.

Among year 6 children, 15.3 per cent were obese, compared to 18.3 per cent in England; and 13.4 per cent were overweight, compared to 14.3 per cent in England.

Last year, 5,494 children were weighed and measured. The figures have not yet been ratified, but the signs are that the tide is beginning to turn.

Parents are offered the chance to discuss findings, and receive professional advice and support from school nurses and dietitians.

Sophia Callaghan, consultant in public health at NHS Bournemouth and Poole, explained: “Habits are instilled early and we can look at making small changes while the children are growing, such as portion size, walking or cycling to school. We are beginning to see improvement – the results are looking good.”

Bonita added that the team had seen children’s confidence and self-esteem grow as their weight normalised. “They are engaging more socially and educationally because their emotional and physical health improves. It’s been massive for us to see this change and be part of it.”

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here