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Evidence-based Healthy Activity and Nutrition for Children and Environments

Supporting families and children of primary school age

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.

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)
  • Ruth Crowe (PhD Completion)
  • Linda Patel (PhD Candidate)
  • Andrew Woods (PhD Candidate)
  • Sarah Ryan
  • PhD Candidate to be recruited for 2024 commencement
  • Jenny Norman – Research Coordinator based in ISLHD (Honorary position UOW) (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 will conduct a pilot RCT to test the feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of an Out of School Hours intervention on healthy eating and physical activity policies, staff practices and staff and child behaviours. Our proposed activities for this round of funding will include further refinement of the before school and after school intervention based on the findings from the pilot RCT. We will then conduct a cluster randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of the intervention. For this stage of the project, we will integrate findings from the pilot RCT of the Eat Smart, Play Smart App in the after-school hours care environment , including an economic evaluation.

Co-designing a family focused intervention to promote physical activity in south western sydney

  • Rachel Jones
  • Anthony Okely  
  • Anagha Paranjpe (PhD Candidate)
  • South Western Sydney Local Health District 

Our research group is dedicated to promoting sustainable opportunities for movement during the high school day, beyond traditional Physical Education classes. We will work with high schools and our Local Health District partners to develop and implement a program that support environments where high school 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'll work closely with children aged 6-12, their parents/caregivers, and community members to understand their specific needs, barriers, and interests.

Through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and co-design workshops, we'll involve families every step of the way. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive intervention that promotes physical activity within the family setting. 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.

We're excited to embark on this journey of co-creation, ensuring that the voices and experiences of the community shape the entire process. Join us as we work towards a healthier, more active future for families in South Western Sydney.