Year 6 weigh and measure

[Vmole]

I’ve had quite a patronising letter from health and well-being team following my son being weighed and measured. The letter states that my son is overweight or very overweight, it then proceeds to tell me about exercise he should be doing.
The reason I have taken such offence at this is that my son is a very fit and active child always choosing to play football outside rather than on any form of console. He plays for his school team for football and rugby along with playing for his local district team and county team. He also follows a very healthy diet eating everything in moderation.
My issue is the damage these letters do to 11 year olds mental health and well being, just being weighed at this age can create issues. Then to receive a letter like the one I did will cause a lot of upset and possible mental health issues.
My point really is this weigh in is being done all wrong- possibly highlighting some that need help, but not sure that those that really need the help need this letter for them to know this. But while highlighting this I qusestion how many eating issues anxiety this process is creating at a very sensitive and already stressful age.

If I remember correctly (dd is now y7), they are not compulsory.

How tall is he, and what does he weigh?
Can you see his ribs?

You don’t have to discuss the contents of the letter with your son, so there’s no need to upset him or cause any mental health issues.
You do need to accept that he is overweight as the letter states. We have a huge problem with obesity in this country and the fact that it is now normalised. So many kids are overweight now when they reach year 6 that it looks normal now and we don’t notice it.

But he doesn’t have to see the letter? It’s addressed to you.

As a primary teacher I see so many overweight kids nowadays. Especially by the time they get to her 5/6 it’s much more apparent. Parents don’t seem to realise as so many kids are bigger now so it’s normal. Plus there have been studies showing that parents genuinely can’t see if their child is overweight.

It’s better to know now than later. You don’t need to share the letter with him. Otoh it could be a mistake so I would start by weighing and measuring him yourself and inputting the measurements into the nhs bmi calculator.

My DD was accidentally told she was overweight in reception (she was tiny and I called the team who confirmed there had been an error). So, mistakes do happen. That said, many children are overweight, lots of parents not accepting the results.

You don't have to share the letter with your son. He may eat healthily but does he eat too much (for instance).

You're getting in a huff over nothing. Your son doesn't have to see the letter, unless you want to deliberately tell him what it says, assuming if course that it's addressed to you, not him. They've flagged it up for a reason however, and just because he plays football doesn't mean he's not overweight. If you want to get him properly measured, take him to your GP. If you don't care about what they've told you, then don't bother.

I am a primary school teacher too, I also know as a teacher I could say to a health practitioner those children in my class that have weight/health issues, the contents of their packed lunch is a good first starting point. I will not be sharing this information with him and I will also not be changing anything I do regarding his diet or fitness my point is if he is coming out as overweight the data needs changing as he is not overweight, any lighter than he is he would look ill. As a parent and teacher I am aware of the obesity issue amongst children, it does not appear that people on this thread are as aware of the mental illness and wellbeing crisis happening amongst children. Yes I could have opted out but that would have put added pressure onto my son.

But if I am to send him to all the activities it suggests along with group workshops he’s bright enough to question me. But thanks for your input.

I question what is being labelled as overweight. Due to the sport my son plays he’s very muscular. This system doesn’t take this into account.

Yes I could have opted out but that would have put added pressure onto my son

I opted out of weighing for ds, and when the dds were weighed and measured they didn't see the letters. It was all pretty low key and not made into a thing.

Keep it low key. I recognise there is a broad issue which you see more acutely as a teacher but don't put the burden of it on your son.

My son knows nothing about it and never will, this was put up as a general concern for vulnerable 11 year olds that may not have parents, that are aware of the issues that this can cause. Reading the comments there are a few.

You can opt out of this. It’s not compulsory.

....may not have parents, that are aware of the issues that this can cause. Reading the comments there are a few.

What comments?

Thanks aware of this.