PE in the Early Years at Minster

Building confident, active, happy movers from the very start

In the Early Years, Physical Education at Minster focuses on developing children’s fundamental movement skills, confidence, coordination and enjoyment of physical activity. Through engaging lessons, outdoor learning, dance, gymnastics, games and active play, children become strong, capable and enthusiastic movers.

Our PE curriculum provides a rich foundation that prepares children brilliantly for the more formal PE taught in Key Stage 1.

What PE Looks Like in EYFS

🏃 Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)

Children learn to:

• Run, jump, hop, skip and move in different ways
• Change direction, stop safely and negotiate space
• Balance in a variety of positions
• Use their bodies creatively in movement activities
  These skills underpin all future physical development and sports learning.
   

🤸 Gymnastics

Children explore:

• Different shapes (tuck, star, straight, wide shapes)
• Simple rolls such as tuck rolls and rock‑and‑roll movements
• Jumps and safe landings
• Balancing on different body parts
• Moving safely on and off apparatus
  They begin to create short sequences using a start, middle and finishing shape.
   

💃 Dance

Children develop expression and creativity by:

• Moving to music and exploring rhythm
• Using their imagination to move like characters or animals
• Exploring levels, directions and pathways
• Performing simple sequences with control
  Dance helps children develop spatial awareness, confidence and coordination.
   

⚽ Ball Skills & Games

Children experience a wide range of early ball-handling skills, including:

• Rolling, throwing and catching soft balls
• Kicking and dribbling using both feet
• Aiming at targets
• Working with a partner and beginning simple team play
  Children are introduced to early ideas of attacking, defending, taking turns and playing fairly.
   

🏅 Athletics (Summer Term)

Children enjoy:

• Running races
• Jumping activities
• Throwing for distance and accuracy
• Obstacle courses
  These activities help develop stamina, coordination and gross-motor strength.
   

🧭 Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA)

Children build teamwork and problem‑solving skills by:

• Working with a partner
• Following simple instructions
• Negotiating space and simple obstacles
• Taking turns and listening to others
  These enjoyable challenges develop communication, resilience and confidence.

How EYFS PE Links to Development Matters

Our PE teaching supports the Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development strands of Development Matters. Children learn to:

🚶 Gross Motor Skills

• Develop strength, coordination and balance
• Use large-muscle movements confidently
• Move in a range of ways safely and effectively

🤝 Social & Emotional Skills

• Take turns, share equipment and follow rules
• Work with a partner or small group
• Build resilience through challenge and problem solving

🧠 Self-Regulation & Confidence

• Listen to and follow multi-step instructions
• Try new challenges with increasing independence
• Talk about how exercise affects their bodies

These foundational skills support healthy physical development and future learning.

How EYFS PE Prepares Children for Year 1

By the end of Reception, children are ready for Key Stage 1 PE because they have developed:

✔ Strong fundamental movement skills

Running, jumping, balancing and controlling their bodies are essential for all KS1 sports.

✔ Early ball-handling confidence

Children can throw, catch, roll and kick with control, preparing them for Year 1 games units.

✔ Understanding of simple rules and teamwork

They learn turn‑taking, sharing equipment, fairness and early tactics — all vital for team games.

✔ Confidence with apparatus and safe movement

Reception children learn to navigate spaces, obstacles, equipment and gym apparatus safely.

✔ Early fitness awareness

Children begin recognising how exercise affects their bodies and why being active is important.

These foundations ensure children move into Year 1 with the physical confidence and readiness to succeed.

Our Vision for PE in EYFS

At Minster, we want every child to:

✨ Enjoy being active
✨ Feel confident in their abilities
✨ Develop lifelong healthy habits
✨ Experience success, challenge and teamwork
✨ Build resilience, independence and pride in their progress

PE in the Early Years is playful, energising and inclusive — supporting every child to thrive physically, socially and emotionally.