This week’s activity

Focus on physical development

Did you know that pre-school children should spend at least 180 minutes (3 hours) a day doing a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day, including active and outdoor play. The more the better. The 180 minutes should include at least 60 minutes (1 hour) of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.

As you will know, we have a lovely outdoor space, which children are generally able to access throughout the day. However, to encourage all children to take part in physical activity, we promote a variety of activities, one of which we call ‘Debbie’s step class’. One of our lovely teachers has set up a simple routine for the children to follow. First of all the children warm-up by dancing to a fun CD, they then step on and off a low step in a variety of ways. This involves balance and co-ordination, using a variety of muscles and bones. It also helps children use their heart and lungs, as they go through the routine. Finally, they do some cooling down stretches. They talk about why it is important to take part in physical activity as they move through the different stages. In this way, we contribute towards the target of 180 minutes of physical exercise a day.

There are many ways your child can be carrying out the recommended daily exercise target. For some ideas, why not visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-under-five-years/.

There are photos on our website and Facebook page.

Thank you.

The Pre-school Team