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Table 4 Key barriers and enablers to strategies for implementing a physical activity policy in ECEC

From: Development of physical activity policy and implementation strategies for early childhood education and care settings using the Delphi process

Implementation strategies focus

Barriers

Enablers

Management/ Supervisors/ Educators

Existing workload & competing priorities

 

Lack of training and/or professional development

 
 

Legislative or National Quality Standards requirement

 

Clear, concise and easy-to-follow policy document

Costs in time, resources and money

Funding available

Lack of available indoor/outdoor space; Insufficient equipment

Indoor/outdoor space available

Physical environment

Cost of environmental upgrade or change

 

Parental perception of risk or injury/illness

 

ECEC/staff perception of injury or illness

 
 

Availability of indoor and outdoor space

 

Portable & play equipment and resources available

 

Access to local green spaces

Weather extremes

Mitigating weather extremes

Communicating with families

Time poor parents

 

Parental lack of interest in physical activity

 

Parental expectation of service (e.g. school readiness)

 

Conflict with rules & norms at home (e.g. screen time)

 
 

Active parent engagement

 

Supportive parent-educator relationships

 

Ambassadors to promote & raise awareness