Table 2 Focus group schedule of questions

Participants' understanding of nature of physical activity

• When I say 'physical activity', what does it mean to you?

• What words would you use to describe the difference in physical activity intensity in activities that young children do? What words would you use to describe the difference between a child who moves slowly and a child who always active and on the go?

• What is the value of physical activity for young kids? Older children? Adults?

• Tell me your thoughts about physical activity and your child's health.

Pattern of physical activity

• Where does physical activity fit in your child's day?/How does physical activity fit into the child's day at this centre?

• Do you see differences in level of physical activity between boys and girls who attend this Centre?

Influences upon physical activity behaviour

• What makes your child/children active?

• How do you encourage your child to be active?/When you spend time with your child what do you like to do together?

• How do you as staff agree as to what to promote for children attending this Centre?

• Do you or your partner do different things with your child?

• How does being at preschool influence your child's physical activity?

• Do your children spend time with extended family such as aunts/uncles/cousins/grandparents? How does this contact influence how active your child is?

• Does anything make it difficult for them to be active?

Pattern of small screen recreation

• Can you tell me about your child and their usual TV routine, use of computers or things like that?

• What influences this?

Knowledge of recommendations/guidelines about physical activity and SSR

• Do you know of any guidelines about what is recommended for children in regards to physical activity, TV viewing and use of computers?