Physical Activity Guidelines – What are these?

Understanding of the Chief Medical Officers Guidelines for Physical Activity

Within the new revised Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, there is now a mention of the Chief Medical Officers guidelines for physical activity. For some practitioners and managers, this information may be new, therefore by reading this article, it will help professionals working in childcare understand the guidelines and why it is important to follow them. Read the Early Years practice briefing click as this also explains more about it.

Promoting physical play within the early years is highly important it is suggested that both practitioners and parents can influence physical activity. It is not always about looking at physical equipment it is sometimes about looking at people’s knowledge and attitudes on how to promote physical activity.

As many of us know children develop both fine and gross motor skills, therefore having a clear understanding of what physical development actual is can help practitioner plan activities that can help develop both fine and gross motor skills.It is practitioners responsibility to help young children to develop confidence in physical activity and build their self-esteem. 

Explanation of the Physical activity guidelines

In July 2011, the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) from the four home countries of the UK launched physical activity guidelines for the early years. For under fives the physical activity guidelines are:

• Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments.
• Children of pre-school age who are capable of walking unaided should be physically active daily for at least 180 minutes (3 hours), spread throughout the day.
• All under-fives should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (being restrained or sitting) for extended periods (except time spent sleeping).

As we previously mentioned there is now reference to physical activity in the revised EYFS Statutory Framework. Therefore practitioners and managers need to understand the guidelines fully. An infographic has been released by The Department of Health to health convey the message

Creating physical play opportunities can be a seamless job when working in the early years, as there are plenty of times in the day when physical play can be encouraged. It is important however to remember children’s ages and stage of development as there should be activities for those they cannot walk and those that can. Physical activity should be encouraged from as early as birth, as it suggested that it can help many areas of children’s development, e.g., brain development, bone health, etc

Further guides have been produced to help practitioners understand the guidelines in details one for non-walkers and one for walkers; within these guides, it also gives types of activities for young children.

Reflecting on physical play opportunities in your setting

Why not reflect on what physical play opportunities you provide children in your care. There will be plenty of times in the day where physical activities are being undertaken, e.g., song time joining in actions, making marks in finger paint, exploring physical equipment in the garden, etc. Many other EYFS activities will relate to the promotion of physical development such going on a treasure hunt around the garden looking for mini beasts, this is not only understanding of the world but children are developing their physical skills. Having practitioners who are skilful in being able planning activities that incorporate several areas of the EYFS is a great asset to have within the setting.

Also, don’t forget to communicate to parents about the importance of physical activity, why not plan an event and invite parents into the setting to join in.