28 Jul, 2016
Case for improving the promotion, delivery and evaluation of Early Years Physical Development, Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing
activematters commentary written by Dr Lala Manners | July 2016
Case for improving the promotion, delivery and evaluation of Early Years Physical Development, Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing
Summary
- Currently, in the UK there are three separate frameworks (spanning the Department for Health and Education) that support Early Years Physical Development, Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing.
- Their contrasting remits have resulted in confusion and inconsistent promotion, delivery and evaluation of Early Years (EY) Physical Development (PD), Physical Activity (PA) Health and Wellbeing.
- Training in this field is inconsistent and urgently requires a mechanism for quality assurance.
- Recommendations to support/improve best practice in EY PD/PA include:
- Review the PD component of the EYFS, CMO physical activity guidelines and relevant elements of the CIF to ensure alignment of purpose.
- Review the Ofsted inspection requirements for EY PD/PA.
- Create National Quality Guidelines for EY PD/PA.
- Develop quality training opportunities for the EY workforce to ensure their inclusion and effective participation in the PHE ‘wider workforce’ initiative.
- Designate a PD/PA coordinator/champion in every EY setting – supported by Healthy Early Years schemes.
- Review the concept of ‘School Readiness’.
- Review DfE KS1 PE curriculum to align with the EYFS PD component.
- Create a professional body/organisation to support EY PD/PA professionals.
- Establish an EY PD/PA taskforce to inform and drive policy/practice in this field.
