Course Detail

Physical Literacy in the Early Years Conference | Wednesday 11th February 2026 | 9:30am - 4:00pm

£50.00

• Stock: 160
• SKU: Physical Literacy in the Early Years Conference | Wednesday 11th February 2026 | 9:30am - 4:00pm
• Category: courses

Conference description

This year’s conference aims to inspire early years practitioners to recognise the vital role of physical literacy in every child’s development. Physical literacy is more than movement. It’s about nurturing confidence, motivation, and competence in physical activity to support lifelong wellbeing.

Throughout the day, we will explore how high-quality physical development opportunities can positively impact children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Practitioners will be encouraged to reflect on how to create inclusive, engaging environments that promote movement, play, and exploration for all children.

Conference Aims

The 'Physical Literacy in the Early Years Conference' aims to empower early years practitioners to:

• Understand the importance of physical literacy as a foundation for learning and development.
• Reflect on how to create movement-rich environments that are inclusive, accessible, and child-led.
• Explore the links between physical activity, self-regulation, resilience, and school readiness.
• Gain practical strategies to embed physical development into everyday practice.
• Be inspired by case studies, expert input, and examples of effective early years movement practice.

Keynote speakers

1. The Neuroscience of Play
by Ben Kingston-Hughes, Author and Managing Director for Inspired Children. 

Read Ben's profile here: TBC

2. Movement Matters in the Early Years – Unpicking Physical Literacy
by Helen Battelley, Early Years CPD Training and Consultancy - Helen Battelley MA. 

"Movement is not just play – it’s the building block for every aspect of a child’s development. This keynote takes you on a journey into the heart of early childhood physical literacy: what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes lifelong health, confidence, and learning.

Discover the essential components of physical literacy – from fundamental movement skills to motivation and enjoyment – and learn how to create environments that inspire active, happy, and capable children. Packed with evidence-based insights, practical ideas, and thought-provoking discussion, this keynote will challenge assumptions and equip you to embed movement at the core of your early years practice.

Because when movement matters, everything else follows."

Read Helen's profile here: TBC

Workshops

1. Physical Development and Risky Play
by Ben Kingston-Hughes, Author and Managing Director for Inspired Children. An active and engaging session. 

2. Boosting Communication, Language and Literacy Through Movement
by Helen Battelley, Early Years CPD Training and Consultancy - Helen Battelley MA. 

This workshop explores the powerful connection between physical development and early language learning. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Communication and Language, Literacy, and Physical Development are all prime areas of learning, and movement plays a vital role in supporting children’s progress across these domains.

We’ll look at how ‘purposeful’ movement can spark vocabulary development, support listening and attention, and strengthen the foundations for speaking, mark-making, and early writing. You’ll gain practical strategies that link directly to the EYFS areas of learning, particularly:

• Communication and Language: developing listening, understanding, and expressive language through movement-rich experiences.
• Literacy: laying the groundwork for early reading and writing by strengthening motor skills and language structures.
• Physical Development: supporting fine and gross motor control essential for expressive communication and mark-making.

Physical Literacy Taster Sessions

Session 1 (Lunchtime): 
Join Alice, researcher at the institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College and dance teacher at Pineapple Dance Studios as she guides us through a 30 min dance taster that illustrates how dance is good for our physical, social, and mental wellbeing. The session is suitable for all, take it at your own pace, no dance experience needed!

Session 2 (End of day): 
Hear again from Alice for an interactive presentation about how to make ‘dance for wellbeing’ accessible to all using stories from accessibility projects in North West London NHS.

Additional taster sessions to be confirmed soon, watch this space!

Who is this conference for?

Bolton early years leaders, managers, room leaders and practitioners in daycare, school, and out of school settings, including childminders.

General information

The day will also include a variety of exhibits and opportunities to share and reflect on your practice.

Refreshments including pastries on arrival and a buffet lunch is included*.

Delegate rate: £50 per delegate

Booking Arrangements

E-mail: StartWellBookings@bolton.gov.uk if you need assistance when booking online.

Lunch and refreshments included*.

*Please let us know if you have any dietary or accessibility requirements upon booking.

Commitments and Cancellations

All requests for cancellations must be sent in writing to: StartWellBookings@bolton.gov.uk.  Charges will become effective on the date when written confirmation is received.

As low numbers can affect the viability of a course, we have to apply a charge if notice is not received in good time. The appropriate cancellation charge will apply based on the cost of your booking, as shown below:

Disclaimer

If for any reason we have to cancel or postpone training, we will notify all delegates booked onto the workshop as quickly as possible. A full refund will be given in the event of cancellation. Prices are valid until 31st August 2026.