Physical Activity
Only 9% of children aged 2-4 years meet the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity guidelines of three hours per day. This means 91% of children are missing out! Physical activity in the early years helps to:
- maintain a healthy weight
- develop good posture, strength and balance
- teach children about their bodies and the world around them
- support brain development, social and cognitive skills and emotional wellbeing
- support achievement and attainment.
Early Years settings can make a difference by ensuring children are physically active whilst in your care. Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments. Children need to try a range of physical movements using fine and gross motor skills.
National guidance
Chief Medical Office’s Physical Activity Guidelines has information for under 5s not yet walking, and under 5s capable of walking
Chief Medical Officer’s Physical Activity Guidelines women after childbirth
Chief Medical Officer's Physical Activity Guidelines for pregnant women
Chief Medical Officer's Physical Activity Guidelines for Disabled Children and Young People
Physical Activity Guidelines; UK Chief Medical Officers' report
The Best Start in Life a manifesto for physical activity in the early years (internal link)
Advice and resources
Early Years Physical Activity resources from the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine. Guidance and information leaflets.
Physical Development Approaches by the Education Endowment Foundation
Early Years Physical Literacy Framework Please note that the CMO guidance referred to in the link has been updated (and content should therefore be read in conjunction with the latest CMO guidelines) but the principles of Physical Literacy remain the same so this may still be a useful document.
Active Matters is a dedicated site for physical development in the early years
Energise Me tackles the things that prevent active lifestyles, so everyone can improve their health and happiness by moving more. They support schools to engage physically inactive pupils. They also administer the Sport England Active Lives survey locally.
Physical Activity for the Under 5s NHS guidelines
Explore what activities are on offer in local areas via the Family Information and Services Hub
My Journey works with early years settings and schools across Hampshire to encourage active and sustainable travel on the nursery, pre-school and school run.