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Physical Development
Resources for physical development in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Training
The government is providing a package of workforce training, support and guidance for the early years sector to aid staff and settings.
You can access free online training from the DfE. Module 5 is all about supporting physical development in young children and there will be further modules released in the near future.
Also available is the Help for Early Years Providers pages. There's a section on physical development with videos and ideas to support play and development.
Key sites
- Department of Health and Social Care (2020) Physical Activity Guidelines and related factsheets for Early Years (Birth to 5 years)
- NHS Physical activity guidelines for children under 5
- Jabadao, a national organisation promoting movement and physical play
- DfE Healthy eating guidance and menus
- Nutritional advice and additional factsheets and infographics, are available at Foundation Years
- Physical development – the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine website has a wealth of useful tips and research relevant to early years, including guidance for non-walkers and guidance for walkers
- Sun safety advice from the NHS
One-off links
Moving and handling
- Audits from Early Education are very useful ways to check and develop children’s physicality and the physical development provision outdoors at your setting
- Boing, Whoosh and Roly Poly: Ideas for families to support young children’s movement play
- Develop your own provision using these ideas for ‘Grab and Go’ kits
- Crossing the Centre Line – read an article highlighting the links between physical development and brain development
Health and self-care
- Parent-friendly top tips to support children’s developing self-care skills
Additional materials
The following are texts that you may also find useful:
- Archer, C and Siraj, I (2017) Movement Environment Rating Scale (Movers) for 2-6 year olds provision. Improving physical development through movement and physical activity. Trentham
- Pre-school Learning Alliance (2018) Moving Right from the Start