Guidance

Child behavioural (tier 2) weight management services commissioned by local authorities: minimum dataset technical guidance for submitters (final)

Updated 14 October 2021

Applies to England

Introduction

In March 2021 the government announced a commitment to support people living with obesity to lose weight, with an investment in 2021 to 2022 of over £70 million in weight management services to be made available through local authorities and the NHS. The aim, as part of a place-based whole-systems approach to obesity and promoting healthier weight, is to enable children to have access to services and support to help them to lose weight and maintain a healthier weight.

In order to understand the impact of this, any local authority in receipt of this grant funding to establish or expand their tier 2 weight management services and offer of an extended brief intervention (EBI) must ensure all their providers collect data on all participants and their progress and return a minimum dataset to Public Health England (PHE). This is a condition of the grant. It is anticipated that more data items will be collected locally, and these collections must comply with national information standards (published by NHS Digital). This will ensure that weight management services data is collected consistently between services, and is also consistent with other health and care datasets.

This technical guidance and supporting submission spreadsheet describe the data items required by PHE to monitor the programme, in the first instance. This document explains the process for completion and submission of the dataset using the spreadsheet provided.

Data items for national submission

Data submission to PHE will be monthly in arrears for completed activity in the month from providers of extended brief interventions (EBI) and tier 2 weight management services, and will be divided into 7 separate ‘time points’:

For EBIs:

  • EBI offer

  • EBI first appointments

  • EBI completions

For child behavioural weight management services:

  • at referral into the programme

  • at week zero, as participants start the children’s weight management programme

  • at the end of the active phase of intervention

  • at follow-up at week 26

Depending upon the number of service cohorts operating during the period of time, that may mean that for some months, some or all of these time points will be nil returns: for example, the first return will not contain weight management completion or week 26 information.

The collection requires exactly one row of data for each participant at each relevant stage. It is expected that participants referred to weight management services will, in time, have a row relating to completion and a row relating to week 26. A unique (to the local provider) participant identifier must be supplied for each row at referral and in week zero, and will be used to link participants over time to assess levels of follow up at completion of the active phase of intervention and at week 26.

Brief details of the data items and the process for collection are described below.

Extended brief intervention information

Provider code

Data format and length: an255

Collection time points: offer

Restrictions: none

Purpose(s): present success factors at provider level

Commissioner code

Data format and length: an9

Collection time points: offer

Restrictions: latest county or local authority (for unitary authorities) code

Purpose(s): present success factors at commissioner level

Participant number

Data format and length: maximum an255

Collection time points: all

Restrictions: this must uniquely identify the participant within the provider but must not constitute personal information. For example, surname would be classified as personal information

Purpose(s): link participants between contacts

Referral source

Data format and length: an1

Collection time points: referral only

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 GP
2 NHS or other health care professional
3 National Child Measurement Programme
4 Health visiting reviews and referral
5 Early years setting eg children’s centres
6 Non-health professional
7 Self-referral
8 Other
X Not known/not recorded

Purpose(s): analysis of referral patterns to extended brief intervention

Other referral source

Data format and length: an255

Collection time points: referral only

Purpose(s): analysis of referral patterns to extended brief intervention

Date of referral receipt

Data format and length: an10 CCYY-MM-DD

Collection time points: referral only

Purpose(s): analysis of referral patterns to extended brief intervention

Data format and length: a1

Collection time points: all

Restrictions: to record whether the participant has consented to their data being shared with PHE.

Code Text
Y Yes
N No

Purpose(s): ensure compliance with participant requirements

Age in years

Data format and length: maximum n2

Collection time points: offer

Restrictions: derived from date of birth (not part of this minimum dataset) and date of data collection

Purpose(s): establish whether any programmes are more effective for or taken up more by specific age groups

Gender

Data format and length: an1

Collection time points: as early in the EBI process as possible

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 Male
2 Female
9 Intermediate
Z Not stated
X Not known/not recorded

Purpose(s): establish whether any programmes are more effective for specific genders

Gender identity same at birth

Data format and length: a1

Collection time points: as early in the EBI process as possible

Restrictions:

Code Text
Y Yes
N No
Z Not stated
X Not known/not recorded

Purpose(s): ensure PHE can monitor equality of access

Ethnicity

Data format and length: maximum an2

Collection time points: as early in the EBI process as possible

Restrictions:

Code Text
A White: English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British
B White: Irish
T White: Gypsy or Irish Traveller
C White: Other White
D Mixed/multiple ethnic group: White and Black Caribbean
E Mixed/multiple ethnic group: White and Black African
F Mixed/multiple ethnic group: White and Asian
G Mixed/multiple ethnic group: Other mixed
H Asian/Asian British: Indian
J Asian/Asian British: Pakistani
K Asian/Asian British: Bangladeshi
R Asian/Asian British: Chinese
L Asian/Asian British: Other Asian
N Black/African/Caribbean/Black British: African
M Black/African/Caribbean/Black British: Caribbean
P Black/African/Caribbean/Black British: Other Black
W Other ethnic group: Arab
S Other ethnic group: Any other ethnic group
Z Not stated
99 Not known/not recorded

Purpose(s): ensure PHE can monitor equality of access

Lower layer super output area of residence

Data format and length: an10

Collection time points: as early in the EBI process as possible

Restrictions: derived from postcode of residence using Office for National Statistics Postcode lookup (NSPL)

See a complete list of lower layer super output areas

Purpose(s): ensure PHE can monitor equality of access

Date of offer

Data format and length: an10 CCYY-MM-DD

Collection time points: offer

Purpose(s): analysis on time from offer to first appointment

Date of first appointment

Data format and length: an10 CCYY-MM-DD

Collection time points: first appointment

Purpose(s): analysis on time from offer to first appointment

Date of completion

Data format and length: an10 CCYY-MM-DD

Collection time points: completion

Purpose(s): analysis on time from start to completion

EBI outcome

Data format and length: n1

Collection time points: completion

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 Referral to weight management services
2 Signposted to community support
3 Signpost to further information
4 Agree action/goal setting
9 No action

Purpose(s): analysis of EBI outcomes

EBI parental awareness of child’s weight

Data format and length: n1

Collection time points: first appointment and completion

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 Very underweight
2 Underweight
3 Normal
4 Overweight
5 Very overweight

Purpose(s): analysis of EBI outcomes

EBI parental concern about child’s future weight

Data format and length: n1

Collection time points: first appointment and completion

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 Unconcerned
2 A little concerned
3 Concerned
4 Fairly concerned
5 Very concerned

Purpose(s): analysis of EBI outcomes

Weight management service information

Organisation and referral

Commissioner code

Data format and length: an9

Collection time points: referral only

Restrictions: latest county or local authority (for unitary authorities) code

Purpose(s): present success factors at commissioner level

Referral source

Data format and length: an1

Collection time points: Referral only

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 GP
2 Other health care professional
3 Non-health professional
4 Self-referral
5 Referred from EBI
X Not known/not recorded

Purpose(s): analysis on referral patterns to weight management services

Date of referral receipt

Data format and length: an10 CCYY-MM-DD

Collection time points: referral only

Purpose(s): analysis on time from referral to enrolment

Data format and length: a1

Collection time points: all

Restrictions: to record whether the participant has consented to their data being shared with PHE.

Code Text
Y Yes
N No

Purpose(s): ensure compliance with participant requirements

Participant details

Participant number

Data format and length: maximum an255

Collection time points: optional for EBI, all other mandatory

Restrictions: this must uniquely identify the participant within the provider but must not constitute personal information. For example, surname would be classified as personal information

Purpose(s): link participants between contacts

Age in months

Data format and length: maximum n3

Collection time points: all

Restrictions: derived from date of birth (not part of this minimum dataset) and date of data collection

Purpose(s): establish whether any programmes are more effective for specific age groups

Lower layer super output area of residence

Data format and length: an10

Collection time points: referral only

Restrictions: derived from postcode of residence using Office for National Statistics Postcode Lookup (NSPL).

See a complete list of Lower Layer Super Output Areas

Purpose(s): ensure PHE can monitor equality of access

Gender

Data format and length: an1

Collection time points: week 0 only

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 Male
2 Female
9 Intermediate
Z Not stated
X Not known/not recorded

Purpose(s): establish whether any programmes are more effective for specific genders

Ethnicity

Data format and length: maximum an2

Collection time points: week 0 only

Restrictions:

Code Text
A White: English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British
B White: Irish
T White: Gypsy or Irish Traveller
C White: Other White
D Mixed/multiple ethnic group: White and Black Caribbean
E Mixed/multiple ethnic group: White and Black African
F Mixed/multiple ethnic group: White and Asian
G Mixed/multiple ethnic group: Other mixed
H Asian/Asian British: Indian
J Asian/Asian British: Pakistani
K Asian/Asian British: Bangladeshi
R Asian/Asian British: Chinese
L Asian/Asian British: Other Asian
N Black/African/Caribbean/Black British: African
M Black/African/Caribbean/Black British: Caribbean
P Black/African/Caribbean/Black British: Other Black
W Other ethnic group: Arab
S Other ethnic group: Any other ethnic group
Z Not stated
99 Not known/not recorded

Purpose(s): ensure PHE can monitor equality of access

Disability type (up to 6 can be entered)

Data format and length: maximum an2

Collection time points: week 0 only

Restrictions:

Code Text Comments
1 Behaviour and Emotional Should be used where the child has times when they lack control over their feelings or actions.
2 Hearing Should be used where the child has difficulty hearing, or need hearing aids, or need to lip-read what people say.
3 Manual and Dexterity Should be used where the child experiences difficulty performing tasks with their hands.
4 Memory or ability to concentrate, learn or understand (Learning Disability) Should be used where the child has difficulty with memory or ability to concentrate, learn or understand.
5 Mobility and Gross Motor Should be used where the child has difficulty getting around physically without assistance or needs aids like wheelchairs or walking frames; or where the child has difficulty controlling how their arms, legs or head move.
6 Perception of Physical Danger Should be used where the child has difficulty understanding that some things, places or situations can be dangerous and could lead to a risk of injury or harm.
7 Personal, Self-Care and Continence Should be used where the child has difficulty keeping clean and dressing the way they would like to.
8 Progressive Conditions and Physical Health Should be used where the child has any illness which affects what they can do, or which is making them more ill, which is getting worse, and which is going to continue getting worse (such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and fits).
9 Sight Should be used where the child has difficulty seeing signs or things printed on paper, or seeing things at a distance.
10 Speech Should be used where the child has difficulty speaking or using language to communicate or make their needs known.
XX Other Should be used where the child has any other important health issue including dementia or autism.
NN No disability  
ZZ Not stated  
X Not known/not recorded Default value

Purpose(s): ensure PHE can monitor equality of access

Vulnerability type (up to 2 can be entered)

Data format and length: maximum an2

Collection time points: referral only

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 Looked after child
2 Child in need
3 Subject to a child protection plan
4 Entitled to an Education and Health Care Plan
NN No vulnerabilities
ZZ Not stated
X Not known/not recorded

Purpose(s): ensure PHE can monitor equality of access

Measurements

Date of measurement

Data format and length: an10 CCYY-MM-DD

Collection time points: weeks 0, completion and 26

Purpose(s): calculation of relevant success factors

Height in metres

Data format and length: n1.n2

Collection time points: weeks 0, completion and 26

Purpose(s): calculation of relevant success factors

Height measured by professional (as opposed to self-measurement)

Data format and length: a1

Collection time points: weeks 0, completion and 26

Restrictions:

Code Text
Y Yes
N No

Purpose(s): analysis of programme delivery methods

Weight in kilograms

Data format and length: n3.n3

Collection time points: weeks 0, completion and 26

Purpose(s): calculation of relevant success factors

Weight measured by professional (as opposed to self-measurement)

Data format and length: a1

Collection time points: weeks 0, completion and 26

Restrictions:

Code Text
Y Yes
N No

Purpose(s): analysis of programme delivery methods

Wellbeing measure

Data format and length: an1

Collection time points: week 0 and completion

Restrictions:

Code Text
1 Warwick-Edinburgh Scale
2 Short Warwick-Edinburgh Scale
3 Huebner’s Student Life Satisfaction Scale
4 The Good Childhood Index
5 Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
6 Other
X Not known/not stated

Purpose(s): calculation of relevant success factors

Other wellbeing measure

Data format and length: maximum an255

Collection time points: week 0 and completion

Purpose(s): calculation of relevant success factors

Wellbeing score

Data format and length: maximum n2

Collection time points: week 0 and completion

Purpose(s): calculation of relevant success factors

Key success factors

PHE will calculate and consider relevant service success factors nationally, and at local authority commissioner and provider level. These will be shared with the Department of Health and Social Care to evaluate the expansion of weight management services.

  • CWM1: percentage of offers of EBI which are taken up

  • CWM2: percentage of individuals who complete the EBI

  • CWM3: percentage of individuals who are referred to weight management services from EBI

  • CWM4: percentage of children who complete the active intervention (EBI or weight management service)

  • CWM5: percentage of individuals enrolled in the service from high risk groups

  • CWM6: percentage of children whose BMI centile is reduced from week zero, at completion of weight management service

  • CWM7: percentage of children who completed the weight management service whose BMI centile is reduced from week zero, at 26 weeks

For each measure, inequalities will be presented (exact details of presentation will depend on the detail and number of children).

Process for national submission

The associated minimum dataset reporting spreadsheet (excel file) for data submission can be used for data collection, or if a separate system is used, a report or export should be created to get the data into the right structure and format to paste into the reporting spreadsheet. Validation rules in the reporting spreadsheet enforce accurate data item formats, as well as pre-set or realistic values. Please note, only the details for children who have consented to have their data shared with PHE should be included in this reporting spreadsheet.

The reporting spreadsheet must have data for at least one, and at all of the collection time points, relating to activity in the month:

  • offers of EBI

  • EBI first appointments

  • EBI completions

  • referrals into weight management services

  • week zero of weight management service

  • completion of active phase of intervention of the weight management service

  • weight management service follow-up at week 26

Once complete, the reporting spreadsheet must be returned to PHE. The details of the submission process will follow. On receipt, PHE will confirm that all time points are valid, loading those that are and rejecting or ignoring those that are not.

Submission will be possible as soon as the month is complete for up to one month: during that period submitters can send the reporting spreadsheet as often as they wish. The system will overwrite the data each time, as long as the newer data is valid.

One month after the month end (at the end of the following month) no further submissions will be accepted.