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Implementation of continuous free play schedules in Australian childcare services: A cross-sectional study
journal contribution
posted on 2023-02-16, 01:23 authored by J Jones, L Wolfenden, A Grady, M Finch, K Bolsewicz, T Wedesweiler, Serene YoongSerene YoongIssue addressed: Modifying the scheduling of physical activity opportunities to provide children with more frequent opportunities for outdoor free play has been demonstrated to increase child physical activity while in care. The primary aim of this study was to describe the implementation of continuous free play schedules to allow children to access outdoor play areas, consistent with sector guidelines in a national sample of Australian childcare services. Secondary aims were to investigate the associations between the implementation of such schedules and service characteristics, and assess the perceived barriers and enablers to implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with a random sample of 326 centre-based childcare services located across Australia. Childcare service characteristics, continuous free play scheduling and perceived barriers and enablers to implementation were assessed via a survey administered to service managers online or via telephone. Results: A total of 203 service managers (62%) reported implementing a continuous free play schedule, for three periods of 126 minutes per period, each day on average. Service type (long day care services), size (services with higher numbers of child enrolments [≥80 children]) and socio-economic area (services located in lower socio-economic areas) were associated with the implementation of a continuous free play schedule. The most prevalent barriers to implementation included insufficient staff to ensure adequate supervision of children (69%) and service layout being unsuitable (65%), while the most prevalent enablers included advice on how to overcome staffing or supervision issues (89%) and to re-orientate the service layout (54%). Conclusions: There is scope to support the implementation of continuous free play schedules consistent with childcare sector guidelines. So what?: Future intervention research that targets the reported barriers and enablers to implementation is needed.
History
Journal
Health Promotion Journal of AustraliaVolume
31Pagination
199-206Location
AustraliaPublisher DOI
ISSN
1036-1073eISSN
2201-1617Language
EnglishPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalIssue
2Publisher
WILEYUsage metrics
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Keywords
Science & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicinePublic, Environmental & Occupational Healthactive playchildchildcareearly childhoodimplementationphysical activityPHYSICAL-ACTIVITY POLICIESOBESITY PREVENTIONSEDENTARY TIMEOUTDOOR PLAYPRESCHOOLERSENVIRONMENTINTERVENTIONFACILITATORSEDUCATIONBARRIERSAustraliaChild Day Care CentersChild, PreschoolCross-Sectional StudiesExerciseHumansPlay and PlaythingsResidence Characteristics8 Health and social care services research8.1 Organisation and delivery of servicesPublic Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified
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