Learners develop large motor skills through jumping, hopping, skipping, climbing and running, and also through playing with pedal and push-and-pull toys. Learners participate freely in these kinds of activities both indoors and outdoors. Learners begin to develop their awareness of related vocabulary such as body parts and movements, supported by communication boards and/ or symbols.

Within the school day, learners also have opportunities to develop early dance skills by listening to different music genres, copying dance videos and participating in musical activities.

Learners also have regular opportunities to visit our Woodland, ‘The Hideout’. Here learners can experience a range of terrains when climbing, moving and making.

*Within the early years we focus on the development of:

• Core strength- developing the learners ability to keep their position and move from the centre of their body outwards, supporting the development and refinement of fine and gross motor skills, stability and balance.
• Coordination- developing the brain’s ability to control movement of different body parts at the same time.

Developing core strength and co-ordination supports the learner’s ability to communicate, learn language and eventually read and write. Whole body movements contribute to the accurate use of small tools and delicate materials. Writing, drawing and painting should be considered as whole-body skills.

*Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage