Learning and Development
Physical Development
The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage - Educational Programme for Physical Development sets out activities and experiences that must be provided for children from birth to five.
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Physical Literacy Toolkit
Bolton Council is pleased to share, alongside our Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) colleagues, the newly launched Physical Literacy Toolkit.
The toolkit is the culmination of work undertaken through the Patchwork Programme, which began in September 2024 when Greater Manchester was selected as one of 12 national pilot areas to explore how physical literacy could be applied in practice. The Greater Manchester pilot, Beyond Movement, was initially led by GMCA, GM Moving and Bolton Council, before expanding to include Tameside and Wigan.
Developed from the learning and impact of this programme, the toolkit provides practical resources, assets, and training materials to support localities, organisations, and practitioners in understanding and implementing physical literacy.
If you would like to learn more about physical literacy or are considering adopting this approach within your locality, please explore the toolkit and supporting resources via the Padlet - School Readiness - Beyond Movement
Resources to support the Physical Development curriculum
Mark Making to Writing Journey
A guide for early years practitioners working with children from birth to 60mths+. The guide supports the development of the physical skills needed to write.
Get the Start Well Stories: Supporting Physical Development Milestones Through Storytelling | Resource Booklet
Using Start Well Stories to Support Physical Development
Physical activity guidelines - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Physical activity guidelines - Guidance from the Chief Medical Officers in the UK
Help for early years providers - Physical Development (Gov)
DfE Help for Early Years Providers
Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years)
Helping under-5s live active and healthy lives — Early Movers
Practical ideas for physical activities from Early Movers