After school care pilot study a class act

Activities they had a hand in road-testing included robotics and computer coding to cooking, dancing, and knitting hats for people experiencing homelessness.

Based on their feedback, one activity was then selected to become a full-length program and tailored to meet each after school care community’s needs.

A collaboration between the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre and Uniting NSW.ACT, the Connect, Promote and Protect Program (CP3) gives children a say by allowing them to shape their own experience in after school care.

The first co-designed social connection and wellbeing program of its type, researchers believe after school care has the potential to play an important role in helping kids build meaningful social connections and boost their general wellbeing.

Researchers aimed to leverage the university’s mental health research expertise, combined with Uniting Early Learning’s commitment to children.

Study lead Dr Alyssa Milton said after-school-hours care (OSHC) programs are an important service for many Australian families.

“CP3 is special because it allows children’s voices and needs to shine, the program is in their language and on their terms,” she said.

OSHC is the fastest growing childhood education and care sector in Australia, catering to almost 500,000 children in 2020, according to the Productivity Commission.

A NSW Department of Education review found that after school care programs have the potential to become places where children’s wellbeing is actively supported.

Children and educators in the CP3 program work together to create unique activities that promote social and community connections with kids involved in the decision-making process and encouraged to take ownership of their wellbeing.

Dr Milton said the pilot program not only significantly improved participating children’s social behaviours and reduced conflicts with other children, but helped families, educators and volunteers feel connected to their community.

“This is important as social connection is a key determinant of wellbeing.”