Parents to be told 'Your child is overweight'

The National Child Measurement Programme weighs and measures the height of all primary school children in reception class and Year 6 (aged 4-5 and 10-11). The Government is urging Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to send parents the results so that parents don't have to ask for them. With school meal standards coming into force in September for primary school children, Ivan Lewis, health minister explained why now is the ideal time to announce this initiative: "Research shows that most parents of overweight or obese children think that their child is a healthy weight. This important move isn't about pointing the finger and telling parents that their children are overweight, instead it's about equipping parents with the information they need to help their children live healthier lives." Kevin Brennan, minister for children added: "Schools are well placed to make a real difference in tackling obesity - with record investment in sport and exercise; encouraging active travel to and from home; making cooking compulsory in secondary schools; scrapping junk food and transforming the quality of school lunches. "But at the end of the day, parents bring up children, not the Government, schools or health services. Every parent wants their child to be fit and healthy so it's only right to help them make informed decisions about their lives." Around 40% of primary care trusts have said they will automatically contact parents throughout the next academic year and a further 40% will make up their minds after reviewing this announcement. Figures published earlier this year showed that in 2006/7 22.9% of children in reception year (age four to five) were overweight or obese. In year six (age 10 to 11) 31.6% were overweight.