Table 2 Summary of key themes identified from focus groups and how they differ by SES group
Theme | Key items for Low SES Schools | Key items for Middle/High SES Schools | Key items for all SES Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
1) Parental encouragement of physical activity | Parents encourage their children to take part in physical activity They do this through verbal demands | Middle/high SES parents encourage their children to take part in physical activity They do this through non-verbal, proactive methods, including logistical support, financial support and co-participation | Parents encourage their children to take part in physical activity |
2) Activity as a family: Barriers to participation | Less participation than middle/high SES groups in family-based activity Money is viewed as a key factor affecting participation in physical activity | More participation in family-based activity than low SES groups | Time is perceived as a factor influencing participation in family-based activity |
3) Types of activity in which children engage: Active play versus organised sports | Children engage in more unstructured physical activity/'free play' than those from middle/high SES schools | Children participate in more organized/structured activity, such as after-school and weekend sports clubs |