RecruitingInterventional

Creating Active Schools (CAS): Investigating sustained implementation and long-term (cost)-effectiveness on children’s physical activity in multi-ethnic and socioeconomically challenged communities in Bradford

This study, called 'Creating Active Schools' (CAS), explores whether a school-based programme successfully encourages primary school children in Bradford to be more physically active. It focuses on children from different backgrounds and areas that might face economic challenges. The main goal is to understand if CAS helps children stay active, healthy, and happy over many years. Researchers will look at how well the programme works, how much it costs, and how schools put it into practice. We know being active is good for kids, but many don't get enough. Schools are great places to help all children get their recommended 60 minutes of activity each day. This study aims to find out if the CAS programme makes a real long-term difference.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Bradford

Enrolment target

3,000

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2028

Prevention of physical inactivity and promotion of health and wellbeing in primary school children living in multi-ethnic and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

What is this study about?

Being physically active is really important for children to grow up healthy, feel good about themselves, and do well in school. However, lots of children in England, especially those from more diverse communities or areas where families might have fewer resources, aren't getting the recommended 60 minutes of activity every day. Schools are fantastic places to help children get moving because nearly all children go to school.

This study is looking at a programme called 'Creating Active Schools' (CAS). CAS is designed to help primary schools find different ways to get children active throughout the whole school day. This could involve making changes to school rules about activity, improving play areas, training staff, and offering more activities. The researchers want to find out if CAS truly helps children be more active, healthy, and happy in the long run. They'll also look at whether the programme is a good use of money and how easily schools can keep it going.

The study will follow children and schools over several years, collecting information to see what works best. This will help us understand how schools can support children's activity levels, health, and general well-being for many years to come. The findings could help shape future health programmes for children across the country.

Key takeaways

The study looks at an 'Active Schools' programme in Bradford primary schools.
It aims to boost children's physical activity, health, and well-being over time.
It focuses on children in years 1-3 (aged 5-8) in multi-ethnic and socioeconomically challenged communities.
Children will wear activity monitors and have simple measurements taken.
Parents and teachers will complete questionnaires about children's activity and well-being.
The study runs from June 2026 to February 2030.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, schools need to be primary schools in Bradford. Some will be schools that are already using the 'Creating Active Schools' programme, and others will be comparison schools that don't use the programme but are similar in other ways.

For children, only those in Years 1, 2, or 3 (aged about 5 to 8 years old) at these participating schools can take part in the measurements. Before any child can join, their parent or legal guardian must give their written permission, and the child themselves also needs to agree.

We would not be able to include children who are not in the specified school years or whose parents haven't given permission. Also, if a child has a medical condition, physical difficulty, or learning need where taking part in the measurements might cause them upset or not be safe, they might not be able to join, after discussions with their parents and school staff. However, the study tries to support all children to take part where it can be done safely.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child in Year 1, 2, or 3?
Does your child attend a primary school in Bradford?
Are you able to provide written permission for your child to take part?
Is your child willing to agree to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your child's school takes part, here's what's involved:

Children in the study will wear a small device called a physical activity monitor for one week. This is like a small watch that tracks how much they move. They will also have their height, weight, and waist measured at school. These measurements are quick and simple.

Parents or guardians will be asked to fill out questionnaires about their child's activity levels, how well they sleep, and their general well-being. Teachers will also complete questionnaires about children's well-being and behaviour. The study will also gather information from schools about their physical activity programmes and how the 'Creating Active Schools' programme is being run. School staff might also be asked to take part in interviews or group discussions. The study will collect information over two periods: in 2026-2027 and again in 2028-2029, so it follows children for a long time.

Potential risks and benefits

This study could help schools, researchers, and people who make decisions about health programmes better understand how to keep children active, healthy, and happy for years. This could lead to better programmes in the future. The risks of taking part are very small. Children might feel a tiny bit uncomfortable during the quick measurements, like having their height taken, or it might be a small inconvenience to wear the activity monitor and for parents to fill out questionnaires. Everyone is free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect their care or their child's schooling.

Locations (1)

University of Bradford
Approximate
Bradford, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if the 'Creating Active Schools' programme helps primary school children in Bradford stay active and healthy over a long time, especially in diverse and less wealthy communities.

Which children can take part?

Children in Years 1, 2, or 3 (aged roughly 5-8) at primary schools involved in the study can take part, with parent permission and child agreement.

What does my child have to do if they join?

They will wear an activity monitor for a week and have their height, weight, and waist measured at school.

Will my child's information be kept private?

Yes, all personal information collected in the study is kept confidential and used only for research purposes.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which is a major UK research funder.

How to find out more

Daniel Bingham

d.bingham@bradford.ac.uk +44 1274 232102 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.