Physical development in the early years: exploring its importance and the adequacy of current provision in the United Kingdom

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 levels of physical development in young children in the term that they started school. The Movement Assessment Battery fo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Education 3-13 2021-11, Vol.49 (8), p.920-934
Main Authors: Duncombe, Rebecca, Preedy, Pat
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic achievement
Academic readiness
Child development
Early Childhood Education
early years education
Foreign Countries
Head Start project
Motor Development
Physical Development
Psychomotor Skills
School Readiness
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Summary: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 levels of physical development in young children in the term that they started school. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) was used to assess 115 children (aged 4-5) from four schools and 25 teachers completed an online survey. Findings from both instruments revealed a decline in physical development. It is concluded that a thorough examination of what is known and understood about young children's physical development is urgently needed (for those working in both health and education), and further research to explore training provision in this area is suggested.
ISSN:0300-4279
1475-7575
DOI:10.1080/03004279.2020.1817963