A Giant Step Forward: Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies to Promote Physical Development in the Early Years
by Susie Drake, Headteacher of Haltwhistle Academy (SPH Lead school) and The Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Strategic Lead
As we prepare for the new academic year, it's important to reflect on the diverse early childhood experiences of children in our Early Years settings, especially in light of recent challenges. This September, we welcome children born during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic into our reception classes. Despite a return to normality, many practitioners across the country are noticing varied developmental needs among these early years cohorts. At Haltwhistle Academy, one focus has been upon physical development, and supporting the developmental delays we've observed in children entering nursery. The recent publication of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) report on Physical Development provides a valuable tool to assess and enhance our practices. This report offers insights into evidence-based strategies for promoting physical development in young children, highlighting the importance of active play, adult support, and outdoor learning environments. The EEF report provides several key recommendations for enhancing physical development:
- Promoting physical activity: educators can encourage and provide opportunities, including play, for children to regularly engage in physical activity, both indoors and outdoors.
- Teaching the skills needed for movement and handling: educators can aim to improve physical development by explicitly teaching and consolidating movement and handling skills.
- Teaching the skills needed for mark-making and letter formation: educators can support the development of the skills and mechanics required to actively engage in mark-making opportunities
This blog will focus upon recommendations 1 and 2. It aims to share the actionable strategies we've implemented at Haltwhistle Academy and offers practical recommendations for adapting learning spaces to support diverse physical development needs.