Physical activity in Early Years settings
Being physically active every day is important for the healthy growth and development of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Children undergo rapid and wide-ranging physical developments in their early years which contribute to their future health and wellbeing, including their cognitive development. Physical development helps maintain a healthy weight, develop strong bones, muscles and heart.
Early years settings can provide physical activity opportunities within existing practice and promote and support families to increase physical activity within the home by:
- promoting the Gov.uk: physical activity guidelines in the setting, and with staff and families
- providing daily opportunities in the setting for children to be physically active both indoors and out
- training and supporting your staff to increase their knowledge and confidence when delivering and promoting physical activity
- engaging and working with external partners and agencies
Programmes, training and resources
You can access the programmes, training and resources below to support you to increase physical activity opportunities in your setting.
Programmes
Ready Sett Go
Ready Sett Go is a 10 week physical activity programme aimed at improving children's physical literacy through a range of fun fundamental movement skills and activities. Practitioners attend a CPD session and settings will be given a kit bag to support the sustainability of the programme after the 10 week period.
For more information see Leisure website: community sport development.
Move with Max
Move with Max is an evidence-based movement programme aimed at Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that teaches fundamental movement skills through readily available story books.
For more information see Go well: Move with Max.
Active 30 Durham
The Active 30 Durham campaign aims to support schools in County Durham to reach the Physical Activity Guidelines of every child participating in 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity activity every day at school.
For more information see Active 30 Durham.
Training
- elearning for healthcare: Physical Activity and Health programme
- National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine
Resources
Guidance
- Gov.uk: physical activity in disabled children and disabled young people: evidence review
- Gov.uk: Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report (birth to 5 guidelines are on page 23, 5 to 18 guidelines are on page 28)
- NHS: About Better Health
Activities, information and campaigns
- Active 30: campaign booklet
- Active matters
- Active matters: movement skills
- Community playthings: Every child a mover
- Find out what's on at your nearest Family Hub
- Living Streets: walk to school
- NHS: Better Health activities
- NHS: Better Health 10 minute shake up games
- Pacey: information hub
- Youth Sport Trust: healthy movers products
- Email eywfd@durham.gov.uk
- Telephone 03000 268 917