Nursery World - Areas of Learning and Development: Prime area: Physical Development

Anne O'Connor explains the changes to Physical Development in the revised framework

NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME

'Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive, and to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food.' (Revised Statutory Framework, paragraph 1.6)

The goals for Physical Development are now under just two aspects: 'Moving and handling' and 'Health and self-care', with 'Self-care' absorbed from Personal, Social and Emotional Development and the original goal for handwriting absorbed from Communication, Language and Literacy. However, the most significant change to Physical Development is its new status as a Prime area.

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