Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their coordination, control and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

The area of Physical Development is split into two aspects:

- Gross Motor Skills

- Fine Motor skills

with the following Early Learning Goals:

• Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others.
• Demonstrate strength, balance and coordination when playing.
• Move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing.
• Hold a pencil effectively in preparation for fluent writing – using the tripod grip in almost all cases.
• Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paintbrushes and cutlery.
• Begin to show accuracy and care when drawing.

We encourage children to develop confidence and control in the way they move handle tools and equipment.

We give all children the opportunity to undertake activities that offer appropriate physical challenge, both indoors and outdoors, using a wide range of resources to support specific skills.

The children change into their PE kit in school to ensure that they are able to dress independently.

Spontaneous learning opportunities, both indoor and outdoor, are provided to ensure that the children are continuing to development their fine and gross motor skills.

Pupils’ fine motor skills are developed through a range of experiences, such as the use of dough, clay, cooking, threading, sewing, small construction, planting seeds and weeding.

Dressing and undressing is a vital life skill which we feel is an essential part of the curriculum. From an early age children are encouraged to manage their own shoes, coats and clothing. In Reception, children take responsibility for changing into their PE kit. Staff members assist where necessary, but do all they can to encourage children to change independently.

Our outdoor environment is used as valuable tool to develop children’s awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Our raised beds allow the children to experience the anticipation and excitement of growing and sampling their own fruit and vegetables and the large playing field facilitates a plethora of physical games and activities, including our annual sports day.