I Move We Move - Good For Kids - NSW Government

Resource 2: Sample physical activity policy
(Insert early childhood service name) recognises the importance of physical activity for young
children. Implementation of appropriate physical activity practices in Children's Services supports
the health and development of children in care, as well as assisting in establishing positive lifestyle
habits for the future.
Aim
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that children in care are supported and encouraged to
engage in active play, develop fundamental movement skills and limit small screen recreation time
in line with current draft recommendations.
The National Physical Activity Recommendations for Children 0-5 years* 6 are:
• “For healthy development in infants (birth to 1 year), physical activity – particularly supervised
floor-based play in safe environments – should be encouraged from birth;
• Toddlers (1 to 3 years of age) and pre-schoolers (3 to 5 years of age) should be physically active
every day for at least three hours, spread throughout the day;
• Infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers should not be sedentary, restrained, or kept inactive, for
more than one hour at a time, with the exception of sleeping”.*
• “Children younger than 2 years of age should not spend any time watching television or using
other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games)
• For children 2 to 5 years of age, sitting and watching television and the use of other electronic
media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games) should be limited to less than one hour per day”*
* These recommendations are draft and subject to endorsement by the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference.
Strategies
1. Promote physical activity and skill development
The service will:
• Aim to encourage toddler and preschoolers to accumulate at least _____ hours of physical
activity during their time in care
• Ensure staff provide daily opportunities for both adult guided skill development activities and
physically active free play indoors and outdoors
• Ensure staff role model and join in active play time
• Ensure staff use verbal prompts to provide children with encouragement and positive
reinforcement to participate in active play
• Adopt a participatory approach, emphasising fun and participation rather than competition
• Ensure inclusive practices for all children including those from culturally and linguistically
diverse backgrounds and those with special needs
2. Provide physical activity based learning experiences for children both opportunistically
and throughout the program
The service will:
• Ensure physical activity learning experiences are planned consistently throughout the program
and the curriculum
• Ensure that staff routinely identify opportunities to engage children, educate and promote
appropriate physical activity skills and active play
• Discuss with children the role of small screen time in their lives and support them in making
healthy choices about their use of small screen recreation for both education and recreation
I Move We Move, The Guide Edition 1 August 2009
AREA HEALTH SERVICE
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