Physical development in the early years: the impact of a daily movement programme on young children’s physical development

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 whether a physical intervention programme (Movement for Learning) can improve children’s physical development. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd edition, MABC-2) was used to assess 108 children (aged 4–5) from three schools in the UK at the start and end of the Reception Year (4–5 years). A monitoring and evaluation survey was completed by 37 teachers which highlighted ways in which the programme had impacted children. Univariate ANOVA using change scores showed significant changes in favour of the intervention group who had undertaken the movement programme.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical development
• early years education
• school readiness

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the support received from an occupational therapist during the developmental stage; Loughborough University during the research process and to the academics and researchers who gave their time 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 authors.