Physical Development in the Early Years

At Woodlands Park Nursery School and Children’s Centre, we believe physical development is a vital foundation for every child’s learning and well-being. From birth through early childhood, children experience rapid growth in body and brain, developing strength, balance, coordination, and sensory awareness. These skills enable them to lead happy, healthy, and active lives.

As part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Physical Development is one of the prime areas of learning. We provide a rich variety of indoor and outdoor experiences that encourage children to explore movement and build confidence. Our skilled practitioners support activities that develop gross motor skills such as climbing, building, carrying, balancing, dancing, and yoga as well as fine motor skills, which are essential for hand-eye coordination and early literacy. We offer an array of resources to develop these skills including tools for imprinting, manipulating, mark-making and constructing.

We also embrace risky play as an important part of physical development. Risky play helps children learn to assess challenges, build resilience, and develop problem-solving skills in a safe and supervised environment. At Woodlands Park, children have opportunities to climb a rope ladder, relax and balance in hammocks, and explore creativity and precision at our woodwork bench. These experiences encourage independence, confidence, and a sense of achievement.

To nurture fine motor control and precision, we offer resources for imprinting, manipulating, mark-making, and constructing. These opportunities help children strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, preparing them for writing and other creative tasks.