Acceptability and Feasibility of Whole School Approach to Physical Activity in UK Primary Schools.

What is it about?

This study aimed to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of a whole-school physical activity (PA) approach in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 primary school senior leadership team (SLT) and physical education (PE) leads. The results showed that a PA WSA was found acceptable by all participants, but implementation was questioned when other significant mechanisms were not in place. The study concluded that PA WSAs aid awareness, understanding and planning of school-wide physical education, school-sport and PA provision, however their implementation in complex. Having SLT support and an appropriately resourced PE lead maximised the impact and utility of a PA WSA.

Featured Image

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important as it investigates the acceptability and feasibility of a whole-school physical activity (PA) approach in the UK, where children generally fail to meet PA recommendations. Whole-school approaches have the potential to impact a large number of children due to their ubiquitous nature for school-wide implementation. However, there is limited knowledge regarding primary school PA whole-school approaches (WSA) implementation in the UK. Understanding the acceptability and feasibility of PA WSAs is crucial for promoting and prioritizing the PA agenda in schools. Key Takeaways: 1. A PA WSA is found acceptable by all participants, with a high level of awareness and understanding of the importance of a school in promoting active lifestyles. 2. PA WSAs aid awareness, understanding, and planning of school-wide physical education, school sport, and PA (PESSPA) provision, however, their implementation is complex and requires SLT backing and an appropriately resourced PE lead to maximize their impact and utility. 3. The study emphasizes the need for further investigation and understanding to overcome relevant barriers to aid feasibility of PA WSAs in UK primary schools.