From Movement to Mastery: How PE Supports Every Area of the EYFS Curriculum
- PE4EY - Physical Education For Early Years
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
When we think of Physical Education (PE), it’s easy to picture running, jumping, and playing games. But in the Early Years, PE is so much more than just movement; it’s the foundation for lifelong learning. At PE4EY, we believe that high-quality physical activity in the early years supports every single area of the EYFS framework, helping children grow not only physically, but socially, emotionally, and academically too.
The EYFS Curriculum and Physical Development
The EYFS curriculum identifies Physical Development as one of the three prime areas of learning. Through PE, children improve coordination, balance, and spatial awareness — all essential for writing, concentration, and classroom behaviour. Activities like running, climbing, and catching help strengthen muscles and improve fine and gross motor skills, preparing children for everyday tasks like dressing, holding a pencil, or sitting at a table comfortably.
At PE4EY, each of our 60-minute sessions is carefully structured to target these developmental milestones in a fun and engaging way.
Communication and Language
Movement provides endless opportunities for talk. Whether children are giving instructions in a team game or describing how they moved through an obstacle course, PE helps develop vocabulary, listening skills, and understanding.Our sessions encourage children to “move like a dinosaur” or “fly like a superhero” — simple prompts that spark imagination and language development in equal measure.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
PE naturally builds confidence, resilience, and teamwork. When children learn to take turns, celebrate success, or handle disappointment in a safe environment, they develop emotional intelligence and social awareness.We include moments of reflection and encouragement in every PE4EY session, helping children recognise effort, kindness, and perseverance — values that last far beyond the sports hall.
Literacy and Numeracy Links
Physical activity is a powerful tool for cross-curricular learning. Counting jumps, recognising numbers on cones, or sequencing movements all strengthen early maths skills. Likewise, storytelling through movement brings literacy to life. In our themed sessions — from Going on a Bear Hunt to The Hungry Caterpillar — children act out stories, build comprehension, and connect physical movement to words and meaning.
Understanding the World
Through physical play, children explore the world around them. Outdoor PE sessions introduce concepts like weather, seasons, and nature, while themed lessons (such as On the Farm or Under the Sea) deepen children’s curiosity and knowledge.We design every activity to nurture discovery, helping children see the world as a place full of movement and wonder.
Expressive Arts and Design
Creativity thrives when children move. PE allows them to express themselves freely — dancing, pretending, imagining, and creating. By incorporating props, music, and storytelling, PE4EY sessions encourage self-expression and confidence through movement.
Why It Matters
Physical Education in the early years isn’t just about exercise; it’s about developing the whole child. When done well, PE strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and nurtures essential life skills. At PE4EY, our mission is simple: to make PE accessible, engaging, and meaningful for every child, while giving teachers the confidence and tools to deliver outstanding early years physical education.
✅ Ready to Bring the EYFS Curriculum to Life Through PE?
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