Use of the School Setting During the Summer Holidays: Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Food and Fun Clubs in Wales.
Kelly Morgan, Linda McConnon, Jordan Van Godwin and 3 others
PMID 31353475WHAT IT FOUND
Children at summer holiday clubs in schools were more active and ate healthier food than at home.
Over half of parents reported food lasted longer and they skipped fewer meals. The school setting and trusted staff helped families engage.
Key findings
0171% of children achieved the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on club days, compared to 48% on non-club weekdays.
02Children reported eating more fruit and vegetables and fewer sugary snacks and drinks at the club compared to at home.
0353% of parents reported that food lasted longer at home because of the club, and 36% reported skipping fewer meals.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was a small-scale evaluation with a cross-sectional design, limiting generalizability. Dietary data relied on self-report from children and parents, not direct observation. Accelerometer data was only available for a small sub-sample (48 children), with significant issues regarding device return and wear time. There was no control group, so changes cannot be definitively attributed to the club versus other factors during the holiday period. The study did not measure long-term health outcomes or weight status.
Declared interests
The study was supported by non-U.S. government funding. No specific conflicts of interest were declared in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the club caused the health benefits. This was an evaluation without a control group, and the physical activity data came from a small, potentially biased sub-sample. The improvements in diet and activity are associated with club attendance but not proven to be causal.