Our Physical Activity Policy

Who is this policy for?

This policy applies to children and families who attend this service, and to the director/s and educators who work at this service.

Why do we need this policy?

• ECEC services play an important role in supporting young children to be physically active.
• Physically active children are healthier and stronger, with research showing they have a healthier weight, better bone health and cardiovascular fitness, and better cognitive, social and emotional development.1
• Many young children do not get the three hours of daily physical activity (including 60 minutes of energetic play) recommended by the Australian Government Department of Health.(2,3)

Useful definitions

Physical Activity is any bodily movement that needs energy. It includes light activity and games (e.g., slow walking or standing at a table doing art and crafts), as well as energetic play. It can be done indoors and outdoors. It can be spontaneous/unstructured or planned/structured.

Energetic Play is any play which makes children huff and puff (e.g., running, jumping, skipping, dancing, riding, climbing and active games).

Sedentary Behaviour is any ‘still’ activity which needs little energy and is done in a sitting or lying down position. It includes sitting, screen-time (television, mobile phones, tablets, video games, computers), and vehicle travel.

Our commitments

Our service will:

• Promote the optimal growth and development of children by providing adequate physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviours.
• Provide infants, toddlers, and kindergarten children with opportunities to be physically active throughout the day.
• Prioritise physical activity for all children in our care. We are committed to implementing this policy in our service.
• Use strategies to break up prolonged sitting and limit the total amount of time young children spend sitting. This includes limiting the use of equipment that restricts movement.

Legislation and policy alignment

ECEC services are responsible for promoting physical activity and limiting the sedentary behaviour of children in their care. This is in line with the:

• Australian National Quality Standards (Quality Area 2.1)
• Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (4)
• World Health Organization Guidelines(5) on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age.

This policy relates to the following Australian National Quality Standards, national and state legislation:

• National Quality Standards: Quality Area 2.1 ‘Each child’s health and physical activity is supported and promoted’.
• Education and Care Services National Regulations 2012:
• Regulation 168 – Policies and procedures – 2 (a) Health and safety
• Education and Care Services National Law
  • Australian Capital Territory: Education and Care Services National Law (Act) Act 2011
  • New South Wales: Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010
  • Northern Territory: Education and Care Services (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011
  • Queensland: Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland) Act 2011
  • South Australia: Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Act 2011
  • Tasmania: Education and Care Services National Law (Application) Act 2011
  • Victoria: Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
  • Western Australia: Education and Care Services National Regulations 2012
• Early Years Learning Framework 2.0:
  • Learning Outcome 1 – Children have a strong sense of identity
  • Learning Outcome 3 – Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
  • Learning Outcome 4 – Children are confident and involved learners
  • Principles: Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships; Partnerships; Respect for diversity; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives; Equity, inclusion and high expectations; Sustainability; Critical reflection and ongoing professional learning; Collaborative leadership and teamwork.
  • Practices: Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches; Play-based learning and intentionality; Learning environments

Australian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years

All services should aim to meet the Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years to support optimal child health and development.

• These guidelines include recommended levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour within a 24-hour period for infants, toddlers, and kindergarten children.
• Replacing sedentary time with more energetic play, while maintaining sufficient sleep, can provide further benefit.

Play Active Key Statements

• Encourage physical activity in young children
• Limit sedentary behaviours in young children

Play Active Recommendations

Infants (under 1 year)

1. Provide physical activity in a variety of ways, mainly through supervised, interactive floor-based play such as crawling and games. More is better.
2. For infants not yet mobile, provide at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day, including reaching and grasping, pushing and pulling.
3. Limit sedentary behaviours in young children.
4. Ensure cots, car seats, and high chairs are used for their primary purpose only (cots for sleeping, car seats for vehicle travel, and high chairs for eating).
5. Limit the use of equipment such as strollers, swings, and bouncer seats/chairs for holding infants while they are awake.
6. Screen time for infants is NOT recommended.

Toddlers (1-2 years) & Kindergarten Children (3-5 years)

1. To meet the Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years, provide children with at least 180 minutes of physical activity daily, via a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day. More is better. For kindergarten children, this will include at least 30 minutes of ‘energetic play’ each day at ECEC (based on a standard 6-8 hour day in care). More is better.
2. Toddlers and kindergarten children will not be confined for more than 60 minutes at a time (e.g., in a stroller or high chair). Children will not sit for extended periods (except when engaged with a caregiver in an activity e.g., reading and storytelling). Less is better.
3. Sedentary screen time for purposes other than learning will not be allowed.

More energetic play each day!