Physical Development

Children need good gross and fine motor skills.  Children who have good physical skills are in a good place to be independent for example putting on and fastening coats, putting on painting aprons, cutting etc.  Children have daily access to the outside area allowing opportunities to develop gross motor skills in a wide range of activities.  They also take part in PE sessions where specific skills are taught.  Provision is made daily to support developing fine motor control such as cutting activities, games using tweezers, using construction equipment to build models, writing, threading etc. 

There are two Early Learning Goals within this area:

Gross Motor Skills:  Children negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others. They demonstrate strength, balance and coordination when playing.  Children move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing.

Fine Motor Skills:  Children hold a pencil effectively in preparation for fluent writing- using the tripod grip in almost all cases. They use a range of small tools, including scissors, paintbrushes and cutlery. Children begin to show accuracy and care when drawing.