In this episode of Early Years Together, Dr Jacqueline Young and Deborah Brown explore the importance of core strength, coordination and gross motor development in the early years. They discuss how physical development underpins children's learning, communication, confidence and independence, while sharing practical strategies that practitioners and parents can use to support children's development through play.

Don't forget to join us next time when we'll be discussing fine motor development and pre handwriting skills.

Episode Five References:

Department for Education (2024) Best start in life: a research review for early years. Part 2: The 3 prime areas of learning. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-start-in-life-a-research-review-for-early-years/best-start-in-life-part-2-the-3-prime-areas-of-learning#physical-development

Department for Education (n.d.) Core strength and co-ordination. Help for Early Years Providers. Available at: https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/areas-of-learning/physical-development/core-strength-and-co-ordination

NHS (n.d.) Physical activity guidelines for children under 5 years. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-under-five-years/

Hosts:

Deborah Brown www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brown79

Dr Jacqueline Young www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-young

Mixing Engineer:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer

Title music by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer