The Next Steps - Building on the Foundations

Physical Development
Moving and handling
Health and self-care
This is a very broad area as it relates to all aspects of the
child’s ability to move around and use equipment. Large outdoor
play areas encourage children to explore their own skills at their
own pace.
Gross Motor Skills
Using the outdoor environment children develop their gross
motor skills such as hopping, jumping, running, balancing,
throwing and catching and the list goes on. Gross motor abilities
share connections with other physical functions.
Fine Motor Skills
In the pre-school we use a variety of activities and
equipment to promote children’s fine motor skills.
Threading, peg boards, construction sets, small world play,
playdough, gloop, painting and drawing. This helps the
children to develop the small muscles in their fingers and
arms which aids their dexterity and helps develop hand eye
co-ordination.
We encourage the children to become aware of the things they need to do
to keep their bodies fit and healthy.
We promote healthy eating and the
children have the opportunity to cook
and taste a variety of foods. Going to
bed early and having plenty of rest will
aid the transition to school.
Talking about real people from the local
Community can help to enforce these
messages for examples; dentists, police,
fireman etc.