The overview for this area of learning is taken from the consultation version of EYFS - this will be amended following the consultation.

Practitioners must encourage the physical development of babies and young children through offering opportunities for them to learn through being active and interactive, improving their skills of coordination, control, manipulation and movement. Practitioners must support children in using all of their senses to learn about the world around them and to make connections between new information and what they already know. Practitioners must support children in developing an understanding of the importance of making healthy choices in relation to food.

What physical development means for children

Physical development is inseparable from all other Areas of Learning and Development because children learn by being active in all areas.

Physical development has two other very important aspects. It helps children gain confidence in what they can do and enables them to feel the positive benefits of being healthy and active. Effective physical development helps children to develop a positive sense of well-being.

How settings can effectively implement this Area of Learning and Development

To give all children the best opportunities for effective physical development, practitioners should give particular attention to:

• planning activities which offer appropriate physical challenges.
• providing sufficient space, indoors and outdoors, to set up relevant activities.
• giving sufficient time for children to use a range of equipment and to persist and learn from their mistakes.
• providing resources that can be used in a variety of ways, or to support specific skills.
• introducing the language of movement to children, alongside their actions.
• providing time and opportunities for children with physical disabilities or motor impairments to develop their physical skills, working in partnership with relevant specialists such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
• using additional adult help, if necessary, to support individuals and to encourage increased independence in physical activities.
• treating mealtimes as an opportunity to promote children's social development, while enjoying food and highlighting the importance of making healthy choices.
• providing time to support understanding of the roles that exercise, eating, sleeping and hygiene have in promoting good health.