How we validated a major Sport England survey against physical activity data from schools

The challenge

The Active Lives: Children and Young People Survey is the tool developed by Sport England and Ipsos MORI to measure the activity levels of children and young people across England.

The method

We validated the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey against physical activity data collected from over 200 primary and secondary school pupils.

Over 300 children aged between 5 and 16 were recruited to participate in a week-long physical activity measurement using physical activity monitors. These pupils then completed the AL:CYP survey and the results from each were compared.

The impact

Our work developed a novel way of analysing and reporting daily physical activity profiles of children. The method led to a 66% increase in accuracy for the Active Lives: Children and Young People Survey. 

The first report of the Active Lives: Children and Young People Survey was released on December 6 2018, reporting the activity levels of 130,000 Year 1–11 pupils, 5,000 parents and more than 1,600 teachers.