In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, fostering an environment that encourages physical activity is more crucial than ever. The Creating Active Schools (CAS) framework offers a comprehensive approach to transforming school culture and enhancing physical activity provision. This blog explores the significant findings from a recent study on the CAS framework and offers insights for practitioners looking to implement these strategies in their schools.
The CAS Framework: A Comprehensive Approach
The CAS framework is designed to integrate multi-stakeholder perspectives with behavior change theory and implementation science. It focuses on four key domains: policy, environments, stakeholders, and opportunities. By addressing these areas, the CAS framework aims to create a holistic change in school culture that promotes physical activity.
Key Findings from the Study
- Significant Organizational Change: The study found that after nine months of implementing the CAS program, there were large positive effects on organizational culture related to physical activity.
- Improved Stakeholder Engagement: Teachers and wider school staff showed significant positive changes in behavior, indicating that they were initial beneficiaries of the program.
- Focus Areas for Improvement: The study highlighted areas such as academic lessons, PE lessons, and commute to/from school as key opportunities for enhancing physical activity provision.
Implementing CAS in Your School
If you're a practitioner looking to improve your school's approach to physical activity, consider adopting the CAS framework. Here are some steps you can take:
- Conduct a Self-Assessment: Begin by assessing your school's current physical activity provision using tools aligned with the CAS framework.
- Identify Priority Areas: Based on your assessment, identify key areas for improvement and integrate them into your School Development Plan.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Engage stakeholders such as teachers, parents, and community members to foster a supportive environment for physical activity.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly evaluate the impact of your initiatives using surveys or focus groups with staff and students.
The Path Forward: Encouraging Further Research
The initial findings from the CAS study are promising, but further research is needed to confirm these results across different contexts and over longer periods. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in ongoing research efforts to better understand the mechanisms driving these changes and how they can be sustained over time.
The ability of the CAS framework to improve policies, strategies, and stakeholder engagement is promising for future whole-school approaches to physical activity. By working collaboratively with broader stakeholders, schools can create an inclusive environment that supports active lifestyles for all students.
Assessing the Impacts of Creating Active Schools on Organisational Culture for Physical Activity
