Introduce
Physical development lays the foundation for learning, health and wellbeing. The more physically active we are as young children, the more likely we are to maintain an active lifestyle later in life. This sets a positive health trajectory, promoting long-term physical well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Encouraging early physical activity is crucial for establishing healthy habits and also impacts greatly on early literacy and the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
Physical development is a prime area of learning within the EYFS, reflecting the vital role it plays in enabling children to pursue happy, healthy and active lives.
Image source: Lorna Colter
The Under-5s age group encompasses a very wide range of physical capabilities. The recommended amount of daily physical activity will vary depending on age and developmental stage of the child.
The Chief Medical Officer’s Physical Activity Guidelines (2019) provide specific recommendations for the early years, emphasising the importance of supporting physical development in children who are inactive and therefore missing out on opportunities for physical, mental, and emotional growth.
The guidelines are summarised in the following infographic:
The guidelines conclude that higher levels of time spent in physical activity were associated consistently with improved: adiposity (infants); motor development (infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers); cognitive development (infants, pre-schoolers); fitness (pre-schoolers); bone/skeletal health (pre-schoolers); and cardiometabolic health (pre-schoolers).
Develop
Watch Jodie Wynne, Physiotherapist, and Sally Holmes, Occupational Therapist in Stockport, reflect on why it is important to focus on physical development in the early years:
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: Spend a session observing children during playtime or session. Take detailed notes on how they use the space and equipment, paying attention to their movements, interactions, and any challenges they face.
– What skills might the children be gaining through movement and physical activity?