Physical Development

On this page you will find ideas to help children to build their gross and fine motor skills.

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills are the skills that children develop using their whole body. You can see this from a baby’s earliest efforts to move and travel, to young children coordinating whole body movements. By using their whole bodies children become increasingly confident, agile and flexible.

All children need to be confident in their gross motor skills and movements. For some children this confidence will come in smaller steps and take longer to achieve. Be patient, giving them time and space, and encouraging words. Take expert advice for children with physical and mobility additional needs. This may increase childrens’ development of muscular strength, ability to take well intentioned, safe risks and become increasingly well-coordinated.

Gross Motor Skills Click the link for further information about gross motor skills

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the body that enable movement in the fingers, feet, toes and face, including the mouth and eyes. Practitioners give their top tips for developing children's core strength and co-ordinaton.

Fine Motor Skills Click the link for further information about fine motor skills

Core Strength and Co-ordination

Core strength refers to the underlying muscles of the torso and a child's ability to maintain their position and move from the centre of their body outwards. Practitioners give their top tips for developing children's core strength and co-ordinaton.

Core strength and Co-ordination. Click the link for further information about core strength and co-ordination.