Physical Development

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