Physical Development is a prime area of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It includes both gross motor skills — large movements involving the whole body — and fine motor skills, which involve the hands and fingers. Both are essential for children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn. In particular, fine motor development directly supports writing and early independence.

What are the expectations by the end of Reception?

By the end of Reception, children working at the expected level will:

Gross Motor Skills

• Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others
• Demonstrate strength, balance and coordination
• Move energetically, including running, jumping, dancing and climbing

Fine Motor Skills

• Hold a pencil effectively using a comfortable grip
• Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paintbrushes and cutlery, with control
• Show strength, precision and coordination in their hands and fingers

How do we teach Physical Development at The Whiteoak Academies?

Children take part in two discrete PE lessons each week, following the Get Set 4 PE scheme of work. This ensures that key skills are explicitly taught, practised and revisited across areas such as fundamentals, gymnastics, dance, ball skills and games. Sessions are carefully sequenced to build strength, coordination and confidence over time.

We place a strong emphasis on fine motor development, recognising its importance in supporting writing stamina and control. Children take part in a daily ‘Funky Fingers’ session, where they engage in targeted activities designed to develop finger strength, dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Fine motor development is also embedded throughout the day. Children regularly:

• Use tools such as scissors, tweezers and paintbrushes
• Manipulate materials through threading, building and modelling
• Engage in activities that develop grip, control and precision

These opportunities are carefully planned across both the indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring consistent development of physical skills.

Handwriting displays are used as a formative assessment tool, allowing staff to monitor progress and ensure children are developing the control needed for fluent writing.

Children access the outdoor environment daily, in all weathers. Regular Welly Walks provide opportunities to develop gross motor skills in a natural setting, supporting balance, coordination, resilience and a love of physical activity.

Impact

As a result of our carefully planned curriculum and daily opportunities for movement and fine motor practice, children develop strong physical skills. They become confident movers, show increasing control and coordination, and develop the strength and precision needed for writing and self-care.

These skills support children’s overall wellbeing and readiness for the next stage of their education.

How can you help at home?

You can support your child’s physical development by:

• Encouraging outdoor play such as climbing, running, jumping and balancing
• Providing opportunities for drawing, colouring, cutting and sticking
• Practising everyday skills such as fastening buttons, zips and laces
• Playing with play dough, threading beads or building with small construction toys
• Limiting prolonged sedentary screen time and encouraging active play