Nursery World - Body and soul (2)

The development of children's physical skills is more fundamental to their academic progress and mental health than many people realise, says Penny Tassoni Amid a flurry of paperwork, key learning intentions and planning, the importance of providing for children's physical development can easily be lost. Some would argue that physical development is one of the areas of learning in the Foundation Stage that is most fundamental to a child's overall development. Not only does it build and develop children's fine, gross and locomotive skills, it also increases their confidence and feelings of well-being.

Amid a flurry of paperwork, key learning intentions and planning, the importance of providing for children's physical development can easily be lost. Some would argue that physical development is one of the areas of learning in the Foundation Stage that is most fundamental to a child's overall development. Not only does it build and develop children's fine, gross and locomotive skills, it also increases their confidence and feelings of well-being.

A good level of physical fitness is also important for children as they start school. 'It's easy for us adults to forget that school is a tiring place for young children,' says Louise Burnham, a reception teacher from Hayes, Middlesex. 'I have noticed that more co-ordinated and active children seem to cope better, probably because they have to put less effort into things such as getting coats on or tidying up.'

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