Table 2.

Focus group schedule of questions

Topic area	Questions
Participants' understanding of nature of physical activity	• When I say 'physical activity', what does it mean to you?
	• What words would you use to describe the difference in physical activity intensity in activities that young children do? What words would you use to describe the difference between a child who moves slowly and a child who always active and on the go?
	• What is the value of physical activity for young kids? Older children? Adults?
	• Tell me your thoughts about physical activity and your child's health.
Pattern of physical activity	• Where does physical activity fit in your child's day?/How does physical activity fit into the child's day at this centre?
	• Do you see differences in level of physical activity between boys and girls who attend this Centre?
Influences upon physical activity behaviour	• What makes your child/children active?
	• How do you encourage your child to be active?/When you spend time with your child what do you like to do together?
	• How do you as staff agree as to what to promote for children attending this Centre?
	• Do you or your partner do different things with your child?
	• How does being at preschool influence your child's physical activity?
	• Do your children spend time with extended family such as aunts/uncles/cousins/grandparents? How does this contact influence how active your child is?
	• Does anything make it difficult for them to be active?
Pattern of small screen recreation	• Can you tell me about your child and their usual TV routine, use of computers or things like that?
	• What influences this?
Knowledge of recommendations/guidelines about physical activity and SSR	• Do you know of any guidelines about what is recommended for children in regards to physical activity, TV viewing and use of computers?

Note: The sequence of questions varied during each focus group.