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Implementation of continuous free play schedules in Australian childcare services: A cross-sectional study

Jannah Jones1,2,3,4, Luke Wolfenden1,2,3,4, Alice Grady1,2,3,4

  • 1Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia.

Health Promotion Journal of Australia : Official Journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals
|August 10, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Implementing continuous free play schedules in Australian childcare services increases children's physical activity. Key barriers include staffing and layout, with solutions focusing on supervision and service design.

Area of Science:

  • Child Health & Physical Activity
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Public Health Interventions

Background:

  • Frequent outdoor free play is crucial for children's physical activity in childcare settings.
  • Sector guidelines recommend specific scheduling for outdoor play opportunities.
  • Previous research indicates benefits of modified scheduling for child physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the implementation of continuous free play schedules in Australian childcare services.
  • To examine associations between schedule implementation and service characteristics.
  • To identify barriers and enablers to implementing these play schedules.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study surveyed 326 Australian childcare services.
  • Data collected from service managers on play scheduling, service characteristics, barriers, and enablers.
  • Surveys administered online or via telephone.

Main Results:

  • 62% of services implemented continuous free play schedules (avg. 3x126 min/day).
  • Implementation associated with service type (long day care), size (≥80 children), and socio-economic area (lower).
  • Barriers: insufficient staff (69%), unsuitable layout (65%). Enablers: advice on staffing/supervision (89%), re-orienting layout (54%).

Conclusions:

  • Continuous free play schedules can be implemented in line with childcare guidelines.
  • Further research is needed to address identified barriers and enablers.
  • Intervention strategies should target staffing, supervision, and service layout challenges.
Abstract

Keywords:
active playchildchildcareearly childhoodimplementationphysical activity

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