Family weight management resources
Healthy weight resources for families
If you’re looking for practical ideas, trustworthy guidance or local services, this page brings together a range of tools to help your family eat well, move more and feel healthier.
National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)
The NCMP tracks obesity levels in primary school children. Local Councils are legally required to run the programme, and the information collected helps shape better services for children and families. Children are measured in reception and year 6, and the results are shared with their parents.
Every child grows differently, and weight can change as they develop. If you have concerns or would like personalised advice, a GP, school nurse, or other health professional can support you. Read more about school height and weight checks.
Healthy family resources
Below you’ll find more information about free services and tools that can support your family.
Healthy recipes and activities
Discover affordable, family-friendly recipes and fun 10-minute Disney-inspired games on the NHS Healthier Families website. You’ll also find tools such as a sugar calculator.
Family activity ideas
Use the NHS physical activity guidelines to find the right amount of movement for everyone in your family. Move to Improve also offers fun indoor and outdoor games you can enjoy together.
Help with healthy food
If you’re over 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be eligible for a Healthy Start card to help buy fruit, vegetables, milk and other healthy foods.
8 week email programme
Sign up for Healthy Steps to receive weekly emails packed with budget-friendly tips, fun games, healthy food swaps and tasty recipes.
Moving more
Building movement into your day
Use the Move Your Way tool to find practical ideas for fitting more activity into your child’s daily routine.
10-minute activities
Try the NHS 10 minute Shake Up games, inspired by Disney characters, to help your child reach an hour of activity a day.
Activate with Joe
Get moving with Activate, a high energy animation featuring Joe Wicks.
Local activities
Find local activities across Bedfordshire using the BeActive search tool.
Street tag
If you live in Bedfordshire, get involved with Street Tag, a fun, free smartphone app that rewards you for walking, running and cycling.
Healthy eating
Nutrition guidance on a budget
Explore nutrition advice for young people aged 3 – 17 years and tips on how to eat healthily on a budget through the British Nutrition Foundation.
Age-appropriate meal ideas
Find picture guides to meals, snacks, and drinks for ages 1 – 18 from the Caroline Walker Trust.
Eatwell guides
Eatwell guides offer visual plates and healthy tips for various cultures to support you in making healthy choices.
Support for fussy eaters
The NHS website offers guidance and tips to help you support a fussy eater and explore new foods.
Eating five a day
Explore tools to help children enjoy more vegetables at Veg Power.
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
The HAF programme provides free holiday clubs, activities and healthy meals for school-aged children receiving benefit-related free school meals. You can find a programme through your Local Authority website.
- Explore HAF activities in Bedford Borough
- Find HAF activities in Central Bedfordshire
- Search HAF activities in Milton Keynes
If you are worried your child might be underweight
Most children who are underweight are still healthy, but some may need additional support. You can contact your local School Nursing Team to discuss available help.
For support at home, the NHS Healthier Families website offers tips, ideas and practical guidance to encourage healthy growth.