Physical development in the early years: exploring its importance and the adequacy of current provision in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT

Poor physical development in young children has been shown to impact readiness for school, behaviour, social development and academic achievement. This research sought to explore levels of physical development in young children in the term that they started school. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) was used to assess 115 children (aged 4–5) from four schools and 25 teachers completed an online survey. Findings from both instruments revealed a decline in physical development. It is concluded that a thorough examination of what is known and understood about young children’s physical development is urgently needed (for those working in both health and education), and further research to explore training provision in this area is suggested.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical development
• early years education
• school readiness

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the support received from Loughborough University during the research process and to the academics and researchers who gave their time to assist during the data collection phase. We would also like to acknowledge the teachers, parents and children who participated.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).