Physical Development in the EYFS

Physical Development is a core area of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage, helping children grow in strength, coordination, and confidence. Through a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, children develop both their fine motor skills—like holding pencils and using scissors—and their gross motor skills, such as running, climbing, and balancing. We support every child to enjoy being active, understand the importance of physical health, and build the skills they need for everyday life.

Below are some pictures of our children enjoying and engaging in Physical Development activities over the years.

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2025 to 2026

Young child playing with playdough and shape cutters at nursery to support fine motor skills and hand coordination.

Playing with playdough strengthens little hands and supports the development of fine motor skills needed for early writing.

Young child pouring water between jugs during water play at nursery to develop fine motor control and hand-eye coordination.

Water play helps children strengthen coordination and control as they practise pouring, exploring and experimenting.

Infant placing different sized rings onto a stacking pole toy at nursery to support fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Stacking rings helps babies develop coordination, problem-solving skills and control of their small hand movements.

Young child building wooden train tracks in an outdoor tuff tray at nursery, developing fine motor skills and coordination.

Constructing train tracks encourages children to develop coordination, creativity and problem-solving through hands-on play.

Young child climbing a slide in the nursery garden to develop balance, strength and gross motor skills.

Outdoor climbing activities help children build strength, coordination and confidence in their physical abilities.

Young child washing toy cars with soapy water and sponges in an outdoor tuff tray, developing fine motor skills and coordination.

Car wash play encourages children to strengthen hand muscles, coordination and physical control through fun water-based activities.

Young child threading coloured pasta onto string in a tuff tray activity to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Threading activities help children strengthen finger muscles and coordination, supporting the skills needed for early writing.

Young child focused on completing a puzzle at nursery, developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Puzzle activities help children strengthen coordination, concentration and problem-solving skills through hands-on play.

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