Physical activity deserves more attention in (out-of-school) childcare

Children nowadays spend a great deal of time at the DCC or OSC. These environments therefore offer opportunities to encourage children to be physically active.

It is important for childcare locations to have a policy on physical activity

To encourage children in (out-of-school) childcare to be (more) physically active, it is beneficial for physical activity to be included in the childcare organisation’s policy. It also helps if staff are familiar with the physical activity advice for children aged 0 to 4 and the physical activity guidelines for children aged 4 to 12, and know how to apply them.

Just over half of DCC and OSC locations have included a vision on physical activity in their policy plan. This vision is often reflected in the range of physical activities offered, which consists of both free play and organised activities. These activities usually take place outdoors.

Further training for staff makes it easier to increase physical activity

Staff at DCC and OSC locations consider it important for their location to offer physical activities. They often feel that the current range of activities is insufficient. According to them, this is partly due to a lack of competence and enthusiasm among colleagues.

It is therefore important to better inform, further train and motivate staff at DCC and OSC locations about the importance of physical activity for children.

Collaboration as a solution to staff and space shortages

In addition to a lack of knowledge and skills, staff at DCC and OSC locations also cite staff shortages and a lack of space as important reasons for the insufficient range of physical activities. Entering into partnerships with organisations in the municipality or in the sports and physical activity sector can help address this. This can increase the quantity and quality of the physical activities offered.

Questionnaires among childcare staff

For this study, a questionnaire was distributed among staff at DCC and OSC locations. They were asked about policies concerning physical activity, the range of physical activities offered and the (perceived) quality of that provision. Based on these data, the study examined how and to what extent physical activity is encouraged in childcare.

Read the full findings in the report ‘Physical Activity Monitor for Childcare 2022: questionnaire on physical activity at day-care centres and in out-of-school care’.