Physical development is important in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) as it builds skills like strength, stability, and coordination while also helping children live a healthy, active lifestyle and encourage a positive relationship with self-care.
Learn more about the importance of physical development in EYFS children and how you can encourage physical development with different activities and playground equipment.
What is Physical Development in EYFS?
Physical development is one of the learning and development areas outlined in the EYFS Framework. The framework suggests that supporting a child’s physical development is vital in the early years foundation stage.
The physical development of EYFS children refers to the growth of their body and movement ability throughout the early years stage, including:
- Muscle and core strength
- Stability
- Balance
- Spatial awareness
- Coordination
- Sensory development
- Agility
- Handling
Physical development can be split into the development of gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills refer to full-body movements like walking, running, and climbing, whereas fine motor skills are about using smaller muscles for precise movements like pinching and grabbing.
Why is Physical Development Important in Early Years?
Encouraging the physical development of EYFS children can help them establish a positive relationship with self-care. According to the EYFS Framework, the evolution of gross motor skills sets the foundation for EYFS children to develop healthy bodies and improve their social and emotional wellbeing. In other words, it encourages children to pursue a happy, healthy, and active lifestyle.
The development of fine motor skills also teaches children how to move with control and precision. These skills are linked to hand-eye coordination, mark making, and later literacy. Therefore, it is important that early years children are given the opportunity to practice and improve these skills to effectively prepare them for their school years.
EYFS Physical Development Examples & Checklist
There are many ways you can encourage physical development in EYFS children. We have outlined some examples below and provided a checklist of the motor skills EYFS children should have by the time they come to the end of EYFS level.
Examples of activities for the development of gross motor skills
- Climbing
- Dancing
- Hopping
- Skipping
- Rolling, throwing, and catching balls
- Riding and pedalling a bike
- Obstacle courses
Examples of activities for the development of fine motor skills
- Playdough or clay modelling
- Jigsaws
- Using small tools like scissors or tweezers
- Mark-making and outdoor writing activities
- Weaving materials like ribbons and string together
- Pretend cooking, including chopping, slicing, and rolling ‘ingredients’
EYFS physical development checklist
Below is a checklist of the motor skills children are expected to show by the time they reach the end of the early years foundation stage – this is at the end of their Reception year in school.
| The child can negotiate space and obstacles safely, with an awareness of themselves and other people. | |
| The child shows balance, strength, and coordination during play. | |
| The child demonstrates an ability to move energetically when being active, including while running, jumping, and climbing. | |
| The child can hold a pencil effectively in preparation for being able to write fluently. | |
| The child can use a range of small tools effectively, such as scissors and paint brushes. | |
| The child shows some accuracy and precision when drawing. |
How Does Nursery Support Physical Development In Children?
Educators need to make sure their curriculum meets the requirements for the physical development area of learning as laid out in the EYFS Framework.
Nurseries and other educational providers can promote physical and social development by engaging children in physical activities and play. This can be done in indoor and outdoor spaces, both individually and with their peers.
By providing outdoor learning activities and outdoor play opportunities, nurseries and other educators play a pivotal role in the educational, social, and physical development of EYFS children while encouraging an interest in nature and the environment.
Playground Equipment to Encourage Physical Development
Outdoor play spaces provide great opportunities for encouraging physical development in EYFS children. Investing in EYFS physical development playground equipment can help you create an outdoor playground in line with the EYFS framework.
Balancing equipment
Encourage children to practice and improve their balance by installing balancing equipment in your playground. Explore our range of moveable balancing equipment:
Climbing equipment
Installing climbing equipment in your playground is a fun way of encouraging children to climb and improve their strength, coordination, and agility. There are different types of climbers available, including:
Obstacle course equipment
Creating obstacle courses in your playground can test EYFS children with a range of physical skills and help them improve their balance, strength, and coordination.
Moveable play equipment like scuttle blocks give you flexibility and allow you to create new, variable obstacle courses every time. Mix and match with balancing and climbing equipment to create dynamic, fun, and challenging courses.
Play towers
Play towers give children the opportunity to practice a range of motor skills, like climbing, crawling, balancing, and sliding. At Sovereign Play, we have a variety of play towers available in different sizes, each with its own unique play features. Explore our range below:
- The Elm Play Tower
- The Oak Play Tower
- The Sycamore Play Tower
- The Beech Play Tower
- The Buzz Play Tower
Playground gym equipment
Playground gym equipment can help children develop aerobic fitness and improve their strength and physical wellbeing in a fun and exciting way. Find out more about the children’s gym and exercise equipment we offer.
Mark making equipment
Mark making equipment can help children refine their fine motor skills through writing, drawing, and building. Examples of mark making equipment include:
Creative play equipment
EYFS creative play equipment can also help children hone their fine motor skills. Weave tables and weave panels require children to use careful and precise hand movements to weave string or ribbon together, while sand and digging dens can encourage children to use plastic tools like spades and rakes.
Physical Development Outdoor Equipment With Sovereign Play
At Sovereign Play, we have over 30 years of experience in creating bespoke outdoor playgrounds for nurseries and primary schools. Our dedicated team can help you with the entire process, from initial playground design to installation and maintenance.
Contact us online for a free quotation or call our team on 01702 804200 for more information on how we can help you turn your playground ideas into a reality.
