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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)
  • 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 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 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.

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 will work 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'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.