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Physical activity policies and practices of childcare centres in Australia
Author(s) -
Wolfenden Luke,
Neve Melinda,
Farrell Louise,
Lecathelinais Christophe,
Bell Colin,
Milat Andrew,
Wiggers John,
Sutherland Rachel
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01738.x
Subject(s) - medicine , socioeconomic status , physical activity , scope (computer science) , child care , telephone survey , service (business) , nursing , environmental health , physical therapy , marketing , business , population , computer science , programming language
Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the physical activity‐related policies and practices of childcare services; and to determine if service size, socioeconomic or remoteness characteristics predict such policies and practices. Methods: Authorized supervisors of 216 licensed pre‐schools and long day care centres participated in a brief telephone survey. Results: Few services had a written physical activity policy, programmed time each day for fundamental movement skill development, or had staff trained in physical activity. Twenty‐eight percent of pre‐schools and 30% of long day care centres provided daily opportunities for children 3–5 years to participate in sedentary screen activities. Rural pre‐schools and long day care centres were more likely to program time for fundamental movement skills development, as were pre‐schools from higher socioeconomic areas. Conclusions: There is substantial scope for childcare services to modify their policies and practices to be more supportive of child physical activity.