Table 3 Primary outcome measures corresponding to Play Active policy template recommendations

To meet the Australian 24-h movement guidelines for the early years, provide children with at least 180 min of physical activity daily, via a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day. More is better

The amount of time I provide children for indoor physical activity each day is

Seven categories:

< 30 min; 30–59 min; 60–89 min; 90–119 min; 120–149 min; 150–179 min; ≥180 min

The amount of time I provide children for outdoor physical activity each day is

Seven categories:

< 30 min; 30–59 min; 60–89 min; 90–119 min; 120–149 min; 150–179 min; ≥180 min

I provide children with outdoor play time

Six categories:

0 times per day; 1 time per day; 2 times per day; 3 times per day; 4 times per day; 5+ times per day

The amount of educator led physical activity I provide children each day is

Seven categories:

< 30 min; 30–59 min; 60–89 min; 90–119 min; 120–149 min; 150–179 min; ≥180 min

For kindergarten children, this will include at least 30 min of energetic play each day at ECEC. More is better

The amount of time I provide to children for energetic play each day is

Five categories:

< 15 min; 15–29 min; 30–44 min; 45–59 min; ≥60 min

For infants who are mobile provide physical activity in a variety of ways, mainly through supervised, interactive floor-based play such as crawling and games. More is better

I provide infants and babies with supervised interactive floor-based play, including crawling and games

Seven categories:

Never; rarely; sometimes; often; very often; always; not applicable

For infants not yet mobile, provide at least 30 min of tummy time spread throughout the day, including reaching and grasping, pushing and pulling

I provide non-crawling infants with tummy time each day for a total of

Six categories:

< 15 min; 15–29 min; 30–44 min; 45–59 min; ≥60 min; not applicable

Toddlers and kindergarten children will not be confined for more than 60 min at a time (e.g., in a stroller or high chair). Children will not sit for extended periods (expect when engaged with a caregiver in an activity, e.g., reading and storytelling). Less is better

Outside of sleep and meal times, the longest children in my care are expected to remain seated at any one time is

Seven categories:

< 10 min; 10–19 min; 20–29 min; 30–39 min; 40–49 min; 50–59 min; ≥60 min

Sedentary screen time for purposes other than learning will not be allowed

The amount of screen time I provide each day to children is

Six categories:

0 min; 1–14 min; 15–29 min; 30–44 min; 45–59 min; ≥60 min

Screen time for infants is not recommended

Ensure cots, car seats, and high chairs are used for their primary purpose only (cots for sleeping, car seats for vehicle travel, and high chairs for eating).

I use cots, car seats and high chairs for their primary purpose only (cots for sleeping, car seats for vehicle travel, and high chairs for eating)

Six categories:

Never; rarely; sometimes; often; very often; always

Limit the use of equipment such as strollers, swings, and bouncer seats/chairs for holding infants while they are awake

I use strollers, swings and bouncer chairs to hold infants while they are awake

Seven categories:

Never; rarely; sometimes; often; very often; always; not applicable