Eat Smart, Play Smart - A Manual for Out of School Hours Care The Heart Foundation’s OSHC Nutrition and Physical Activity Project Ernestine van Herwerden Claire Flanagan National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division)

Project Goal To increase awareness of healthy eating and physical activity among staff working in Victorian Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) programs; and parents and children using Victorian OSHC programs.

Project Description (1) Needs Assessment (n=25) esp with programs in rural/regional and socio-economically disadvantaged areas Resource development draft manual Pilot (n=50) and expert feedback (n>10) Edit, design and print (n=800) Launch and associated media/PR

Project description (2) Implementation and dissemination order forms used to collect baseline data targeted mail outs Evaluation Baseline (n=426) Controls (n=70) Wave 1 follow up (n=294) Wave 2 follow up (n=215+49) Qualititative site visits (n=7) Professional development and training Ongoing targeted PR activities

Project Impact Uptake by ~700 VIC OSHC programs High reach Satisfaction with content and layout

Satisfaction at 3 mths

Satisfaction at 6-9 mths Still 96% satisfaction

Project Impact

Project Impact High reach High satisfaction Sustained satisfaction 55% voluntary uptake by sector 700 Victorian OSHC programs Over 18,000 Victorian children High satisfaction Sustained satisfaction Changes in practice as a result of project: 83% learned new things about nutrition 71% learned new things about physical activity 69% offer a greater variety of physical activities 67% serve healthier food choices

Contextual factors Enthusiasm of individuals, stakeholders and sector Partnerships and collaboration throughout project period Introduction of Quality Assurance Launch by Federal Health Minister Media priorities

Community engagement FACILITATORS: BARRIERS: Large need in under-resourced sector Identification of mutual benefit opportunities Introduction of Quality Assurance System Key stakeholder support and ‘word of mouth’ Media interest (esp targeted local and regional media and PR) BARRIERS: Working hours Resources / capacity

Evaluation Enhanced understanding of sector specific issues Tells a ‘good story’ Realignment of project plan / strategies Assisted with project momentum / staff motivation Identified project strengths and weaknesses Helped support funding submissions

Sustainability FACILITATORS: BARRIERS: Comprehensive stand alone resource manual Library copies Web based resources Key stakeholder & sector involvement throughout Quality Assurance Evaluation findings BARRIERS: Lack of sector coordination re: training Resources

Next time Realistic budgets and timelines Increase project officer EFT allocation Keep it simple Apply for further funding earlier (if possible)

Contact details Ernestine van Herwerden / Claire Flanagan National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division) 411 King Street West Melbourne VIC 3003 Phone (03) 9329 8511 Fax (03) 9321 1574 Claire.Flanagan@heartfoundation.com.au evh@heartfoundation.com.au