Table 3 ECEC physical activity policy implementation strategies by ease of implementation and influence level

1. Foster awareness and understanding of this Physical Activity Policy

80%

83%

2. Provide many daily opportunities for outdoor play time

91%

91%

3. Embed the importance of active play and physical activity in everyday experiences

91%

69%

4. Program a range of learning experiences encouraging and using active play and for children to be physically active

87%

73%

5. Provide opportunities for children to engage in discovery learning and discussion on the importance of physical activity

78%

62%

6. Break up prolonged periods of sedentary behaviours e.g. sitting or standing for long periods or infants being confined to high-chairs or cots if they are not eating or sleeping

87%

74%

7. Limit the use of equipment such as strollers, swings and bouncer seats/chairs for holding infants while they are awake

83%

57%

8. Not use punitive measures such as withholding physical activity as punishment for managing challenging behaviours (e.g. seated time out) and not use physical activity as punishment (e.g. star jumps)

80%

81%

9. Include physical activity as part of the assessment of children’s physical and overall development

76%

56%

10. Ensure age and developmentally appropriate structured and unstructured physical activity is provided for each child

96%

59%

11. Act as positive role models and demonstrate and participate in active play and physical activity with children

85%

54%

12. Take part in professional development programs to increase knowledge and skills around children’s physical activity

91%

52%

13. Provide opportunities for all children (including children with disabilities) to be physically active. Children with disabilities should be provided with equipment that meets the current standards for accessible design to encourage physical activity

89%

37%

14. Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear that doesn’t limit children’s and educator’s ability to engage in physical activity

83%

72%

15. Provide an outdoor environment with a variety of portable and fixed play equipment, a secure perimeter, shade, natural elements, open grassy areas, free running space, connected paths, varying surfaces and terrain, and more than the minimum outdoor space per child where possible

83%

30%

16. Provide an indoor environment with a variety of portable (and fixed) play equipment, natural elements, free running space, and more than the minimum indoor space per child where possible

85%

34%

17. Ensure adequate physical activity opportunities in poor weather such as very high or low temperatures, storms or UV index ratings above 8. Provide indoor physical activity alternatives where possible

85%

43%

18. Provide a copy of the Physical Activity Policy to all families upon orientation at the service

60%

98%

19. Talk with families about their children’s physical activity

77%

56%

20. Communicate regularly with families about physical activity experiences within our service and provide information to assist families to support their child to have many opportunities to engage in active play and physical activity at home

74%

60%

21. Encourage parents to support their child to have many active play and physical activity experiences at home

71%

44%

22. Families will be provided with opportunities to contribute to the review and development of the policy

60%

53%

23. Services will be able to have their policy reviewed and becomes an accredited physical activity promoting centre

83%

45%

24. This Physical Activity Policy is available to staff, families and visitors

72%

100%

25. All staff, including management, educators and parents, monitor and review the effectiveness of the policy and revise the policy when required (at least once every 3 years)

77%

60%