We are committed to supporting children of primary school age who attend Out of School Hours programs. Our focus is on developing and implementing effective strategies that support healthy environments where children live, learn and play. We collaborate closely with providers in the Out of School Hours sector to ensure that all children have access to high-quality care and support beyond the school day.
Supporting families and children of primary school age
Promoting healthy eating and active living in Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)
- Anthony Okely (Supervisor)
- Megan Hammersley (Supervisor)
- Rebecca Stanley (Supervisor)
- Yasmine Probst (Supervisor)
- Andrew Woods (Supervisor/PhD Graduate)
- Ruth Crowe (PhD Graduate)
- Linda Patel (PhD Candidate)
- Hayate Bouhjar (PhD Candidate)
- Rochelle Davis
- Jenny Norman – Research Coordinator based in ISLHD (Honorary position ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app) (Supervisor)
- South Western Sydney Local Health District (Supervisor)
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (Supervisor)
Since the first round of funding commenced in 2017, the ENHANCE research group as part of Dr Ruth Crowe’s PhD thesis, conducted an observational and policy audit of the Healthy Eating and Active Living environments of the after-school period in the Out of School Hours sector. In addition to this, Andrew Woods has conducted audits in the before-school sector and conducted stakeholder consultations to develop an intervention for both before and after-school care. Linda Patel conducted an evaluation of an existing resource in the sector, The Eat Smart Play Smart Manual, and proceeded to develop and pilot test the Eat Smart Play Smart App. This primarily focused on services located within the Illawarra Shoalhaven and South Western Sydney Local Health Districts.
In partnership with CPH, ISLHD and SWSLHD, we are conducting a cluster randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of the 'Eat Smart, Play Smart' mHealth app and the HEAL Professional Development intervention on accelerometer-measured child physical activity and food provision in OSHC settings. For this stage of the project, we have integrated findings from the pilot RCT to make improvements to the Eat Smart, Play Smart App for the after-school hours care environment and will include an economic evaluation.
Research Highlights
Conference posters
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2025
Food provision and healthy eating environments in before school care: an observational study
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Development and testing of an out-of-school hours care professional development program: a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial
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2024
Awareness and use of the Eat Smart Play Smart resources in Out of School Hours Care services: A staff survey in New South Wales, Australia
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Children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour in before school care: An observational study
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2022
Correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children attending before and after school care: a systematic review
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Foods and beverages provided in out of school hours care services: an observational study
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2021
Systematic observation of healthy eating environments in after-school services: a cross-sectional study
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Physical activity in out of school hours care: an observational study
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2020
Healthy eating and physical activity environments in out-of-school hours care: an observational study protocol
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Co-designing a family focused intervention to promote physical activity in South Western Sydney
- Rachel Jones
- Anthony Okely
- Megan Hammersley
- Anagha Paranjpe (PhD Candidate)
- South Western Sydney Local Health District
Our research group is dedicated to promoting sustainable opportunities for movement for school aged children, beyond traditional Physical Education classes. We are working with our Local Health District partners to develop and implement a program that support environments where students can live, learn, and thrive!
In South Western Sydney, many children and families face challenges in staying physically active. Our project aims to change this by co-designing a program that encourages families to be physically active together at home. We have worked closely with children aged 6-13, their parents/caregivers, and community members to understand their specific needs, barriers, and interests.
Through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and co-design workshops with families we have developed a comprehensive intervention that promotes physical activity within the family setting. We are conducting a trial to assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of this co-designed family-based physical activity program.
By addressing barriers and fostering positive health behaviours, we hope to improve overall well-being and encourage a lifelong commitment to an active lifestyle for both children and their caregivers.