Physical activity policy.
How we promote physical activity and movement as part of the children's program.
Aim
For the children to be able to develop good habits in the early childhood years that may encourage healthy behaviours for the rest of their life.
For staff, carers, children, and families to be aware of the benefits of active play.
For parents and centre staff to work together to make physical activity a priority both in and out of the house.
Implementation
Educators will implement the Federal Government’s Physical Activity Guidelines including the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years which recommend:
Infants (birth to 1 year) engage in physical activity from birth e.g., floor-based play several times a day including at least 30 minutes of tummy time for non-mobile babies spread throughout the day
Toddlers (1 to 2 years) engage in daily physical activity for at least three hours spread throughout the day
Pre-schoolers (3 to 5 years) engage in daily physical activity for at least three hours spread throughout the day including at least one hour of energetic play.
In line with this, our service will implement the following promotion of physical activity as per the age and development stage of each child in attendance:
Children younger than two years of age should not spend any time watching television or using other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games).
For children two to five 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.
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.
Educator’s Will
Encourage children to participate in physical activities through programming and spontaneous experiences.
Encourage and support children to undertake and participate in new or unfamiliar physical activities.
Participate in physical activity with the children.
Show enthusiasm for participation in physical activity and organise play spaces to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all individuals in the environment.
Set up and plan for plan for physical play activities and equipment and where appropriate encourage the children to help with the set-up.
Listen to children’s suggestions on what physical activities they would like to participate in and where appropriate incorporate them into the program
Set up indoor and outdoor areas in a manner that promotes and encourages safe physical play for all age groups and developmental abilities represented in the service.
Actively encourage children to accept and respect each other’s range of physical abilities.
Consult with families and resource agencies on providing physical experiences that reflect diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Role model appropriate footwear and clothing for physical activity.
Will ensure a balance of active and sedentary activities throughout the child’s day and minimize sedentary behaviours unless the child is tired or ill.
The service will support the children in
Learning to use increasingly complex motor skills and movement patterns in order to combine gross and fine movement and balance skills, spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
The development of their physical skill set by providing regular opportunities for outdoor play.
The development of their physical skill set by talking with children about how the human body and how important physical activity is for an individual’s health and wellbeing.
The development of their physical skill set by providing experiences for the children that draw on elements of dance, dramatic play and creative movement.
The development of their physical skill set by providing babies with encouragement and safe areas to practice rolling over, sitting, crawling, standing and walking.
Sources: Education and Care Services National Regulation
National Quality Standard
Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 2022
Get Up and Grow: Healthy Eating & Physical Activity for Early Childhood
Munch and Move programhttps://healthykids.nsw.gov.au/
Australian Government Department of Health Australian 24-hour Movement Guidelines
Sources
- https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/05/24-hour-movement-guidelines-birth-to-5-years-brochure.pdf
- Centre Support
This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.