1. NCMP NCMP Wolverhampton’s Journey to improve take up and parental feedback

2. 2008/2009  Standardised parental results letter, locally felt to be too complicated  School nurses sought parent opinions  Opt outs from measurement increasing  Solution – change the initial and feedback letters in preparation for 2009/10 collection

3. Initial Letter  School nurses felt that fewer parents would opt out if they had to make more effort to do so – opt out changed  AND  It was stressed that the measurements were part of an overall health assessment  Result: 19 opt outs in 2009/10

4. Parental Feedback  The standardised letter was simplified  4 versions were adopted for 2009/10 according to weight status  School nurses were proactive in contacting parents of underweight and very overweight children to offer further support.  C4L leaflet included with all letters

5. 2009/10  Concerns expressed by local health professionals regarding feedback letters, against a rising tide of media stories  As part of care pathway development, a decision was taken to audit parental views  School nurse undertook the audit in June 2010

6. Audit Results  456 questionnaires distributed, 132 returned – 28.9%  91% found the initial letter informative  86% found the results letter appropriate  75% found the C4L leaflet useful  22% took up the offer of additional support  Up to 6% expressed that their child had negative feelings about the assessment

7. Recommendations  Review content of the initial letter  Review audit tool, if to be re-used  Review letters sent out post assessment to include a ‘what happens next’ section  Ensure C4L leaflet is included with the feedback letter – new local leaflet produced incorporating healthy eating/local physical activity opportunities

8. 2010/11  School nursing service need to reduce time on assessments  Letters reviewed to incorporate changes in service and take account of new weight management services for children  Impact awaited!

9. Contact Details  Email: gloria.rye@wolvespct.nhs.uk gloria.rye@wolvespct.nhs.uk  Tel: 01902 444192