IN RESPONSE to last week's front page article 'Pupils face new weight tests' we wish to reassure parents of the intentions of the scheme

IN RESPONSE to last week's front page article 'Pupils face new weight tests' we wish to reassure parents of the intentions of the scheme. It is just one of a number of initiatives aimed at raising awareness of problems caused by obesity and supporting parents to make sure their children are healthy.We are conscious we should not stigmatise those children who are overweight and we are making sure we carry out weighing in a sensitive fashion within schools. All children in certain year groups are being weighted only once we have consent from their parents. Most parents are very supportive of this scheme although we understand the concerns of those who have reservations.By gaining information about the weight of year six children, working with schools, we will be better able to target resources and support both parents and children.Examples of initiatives already in place to ensure our children are healthier include healthy school meals and the young person's key card scheme which gives children under 16 free admission to leisure centres run by North Somerset Council.DR MAX KAMMERLING -Director of Public Health, North Somerset Primary Care TrustCOLIN DIAMOND- Director of Children's Services, North Somerset Council