This prime area promotes children's physical health, gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and self-care abilities. 

At The Belfry, we support all children to develop their gross motor skills (large body movements) and to learn how to take measured risks when using and transporting large construction resources and loose parts. They also have access to various bikes, trikes and scooters and, at break and lunchtime can explore the adventure playground. There is a well-established and comprehensive PE curriculum which includes dance & movement, stretching & flexibility, and fundamental PE skills.

Children develop their fine motor skills (small hand and finger movements) through a carefully planned environment that provides a range of opportunities that incorporates hand-eye co-ordination and finger dexterity, such as threading beads onto a string, using tweezers to pick up small items and cutting paper using scissors at the craft table.

Both gross and fine motor skills support children’s ability and skill for holding writing equipment and being able to use it competently in their writing and drawing.

We provide extra support to any children who need to develop their fine motor skills through specifically planned weekly adult-led activities.

Early Learning Goals

Gross Motor Skills

• Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others.
• Demonstrate strength, balance and coordination when playing.
•  Move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing

Fine Motor Skills

• Hold a pencil effectively in preparation for fluent writing – using the tripod grip in almost all cases.
• Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paintbrushes and cutlery.
• Begin to show accuracy and care when drawing.