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How did the project come about?
This project, coordinated by the Department of Sport and Recreation, was developed in conjunction with local government and local sporting organisations in the Canterbury–Bankstown area of Sydney to provide a fun and safe structured sports participation program for children attending out of school hours care (OOSHC) centres.
Aims and target groups
The program was developed to increase physical activity levels of children and develop skills that will support their integration into community sport. The program also focused on training and development for staff, with the aim of increasing physical activity levels of children attending the centres. The program targeted primary school aged children attending the centres.
Project overview
The childcare section of local government identified out of school care centres interested in providing fun sporting opportunities for their children. Staff from the centres committed their time to attend a full-day training course conducted by the relevant sports.
Staff were trained in the basic skills required to support the coach in delivering the weekly program. The program was offered once a week for seven weeks each term. An information kit was sent to the staff and they were responsible for coordinating the students and obtaining permission from parents.
Program participants were introduced to various sports, including basketball, rugby league, netball, Aussie rules and Oztag. Coaches from the local sports delivered the program once a week and centre staff conducted a similar session a second time during each week.
Over 20 staff were trained over the length of the program and over 180 children participated. An equipment grant was provided by the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Evaluation
Evaluations and surveys included:
- Training course evaluation
- Parent survey on their child’s participation in sport
- Staff evaluation of program implementation on completing the project.
What worked well?
Over 180 children participated in a fun, safe sporting experience. Local partnerships were developed and links were made with local sporting clubs to support the integration of children into community sport.
Over 85% of the children attending the centres were enrolled five days a week. The program gave exposure to a variety of sports and an opportunity to participate that may not otherwise be experienced due to parent work commitments.
What would be done differently?
The out of school care centres lacked appropriate sporting equipment and required funding to purchase equipment to ensure successful program delivery. Without the equipment grant, effective program delivery would have been difficult.
Facilities at centres vary, and a facility and equipment audit should be completed before selecting sports.
Where to now?
The participating centres have developed strong relationships with the local sporting clubs and now get involved in and promote a variety of programs and events. Two of the centres are involved in the Federal Government’s active after school communities program.
Summary
Out of school hours centres should work closely with local sporting organisations to ensure a pathway exists for children to register with community sport, and should do sports activities that require limited equipment. Training of staff is critical for sustaining the program.
