EYFS: physical development

This element of the curriculum is about helping children to be active and develop co-ordination and control. It is also about helping them understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

The levels children are expected to have reached by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage are:

Moving and handling

• Children show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements.
• They move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space.
• They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils.

Health and self-care

• Children know the importance of physical exercise and diet and talk about ways to keep healthy and safe.
• They manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs successfully, including dressing and going to the toilet independently.

Find out how each impairments affects children's achievement in the early years and how you can help.

• Autistic spectrum disorder
• Physical impairment
• Visual impairment
• Hearing impairment