Physical Development (PD)

Physical Development is a Prime Area of Learning in the EYFS. It supports children’s health, wellbeing, confidence and independence, and provides the foundations they need for daily life and learning.

Physical Development includes:

Gross Motor Skills – large movements, balance, coordination and core strength
Fine Motor Skills – hand strength, control, tool use and early mark making

We know that strong physical development supports children to be ready for nursery routines, ready to learn, and ready for their next stage of education.

Curriculum Intent

We want every child to develop:

confidence and enjoyment in being active
strong balance, coordination and movement control
hand strength and fine motor precision needed for early writing
increasing independence in self-care (e.g. dressing, feeding, hygiene)
healthy habits and understanding of how to look after their bodies

How Physical Development Progresses from Birth to 4

Our Physical Development curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced using our Bespoke Knowledge and Skills Grids, which map the small steps children make from Birth to 4 years.

0–2 Years

In our Baby and Toddler Rooms we focus on secure, developmentally appropriate foundations such as:

tummy time, head control and rolling
sitting, crawling, pulling to stand and early walking
climbing, balance and developing body awareness
grasping, reaching, transferring objects hand-to-hand
early self-feeding, holding cups and exploring sensory materials
early mark making through touch, messy play and movement

2–3 Years

Children build control and coordination through:

running, jumping, climbing and navigating space safely
developing ball skills (kick, throw, catch)
increasing confidence on wheeled toys (scooters/trikes)
building, threading and manipulative play
early scissor skills and purposeful mark making
growing independence with buttons, zips, pouring drinks and dressing

3–4 Years (Preschool)

Children refine both gross and fine motor skills through:

structured physical sessions (e.g. gymnastics, games, dance, fundamental skills)
improved balance, control, agility and coordination
refined ball skills (throw, catch, roll, kick, aim)
developing a comfortable pencil grip and increasing control
confident tool use (scissors, pencils, simple implements and pre-woodwork tools)
independence in managing self-care and daily routines

Implementation: How We Teach Physical Development

Physical Development is taught through a balance of:

child-initiated play indoors and outdoors
planned adult-led activities
routines that build independence
carefully chosen resources that strengthen muscles and coordination

Children have frequent opportunities for:

climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling and lifting (building strength and core stability)
dance, movement and music (rhythm, coordination and body awareness)
ball play and target games (aiming, tracking, catching and kicking)
fine motor activities (threading, tweezers, peg boards, playdough, malleable materials)
early writing readiness (mark making, patterns, control and grip development)

Fine Motor Strength and School Readiness

We explicitly develop fine motor strength and control because these are key foundations for early writing.

Children build:

hand strength (through dough, squeezing, poking, pinching, tearing)
bilateral coordination (using two hands together)
controlled tool use (scissors, pencils, utensils, pre-woodwork tools)
increasing precision and confidence in mark making

Early Kinetic Letters Gross Motor Development

In our Toddler and Preschool rooms, we also introduce early Kinetic Letters gross motor activities to support children’s core strength, posture, coordination and writing readiness.

Children regularly practise fun, whole-body movements using the Penguin, Lizard and Strong Bear positions, which help to develop:

strong core muscles and shoulder stability
balance and body awareness
coordination and control
upper body strength needed for mark making and early writing

These playful positions are taught through movement games, stories and imitation, making learning active and engaging for young children. By strengthening large muscle groups first, we help children build the physical foundations they need before developing finer hand control.

This early gross motor work supports children to sit well, move confidently and develop the stamina and strength required for later fine motor skills and handwriting.

Assessment and Planning: Our Bespoke Progression

Staff observe, assess and plan for physical development using our Knowledge and Skills Grids and observational checkpoints.

This ensures that:

learning is matched to each child’s starting point
next steps are identified quickly
children who need additional support are supported early
progression is clear and consistent across Birth to 4

We work closely with families and, where appropriate, outside professionals to support children’s physical development and independence.