Movement, or physical development, is fundamental to young children’s cognitive functioning and their forming of emotional connections.

As one of the prime areas of learning, physical development is given the prominence and importance it needs in the EYFS, and yet, children are increasingly living more sedentary lives. It is vital that early years practitioners feel able to provide the space, time, resources and opportunities for children to be active.

This one day in-person conference will explore the connections between physical movement and brain development from birth onwards, and why children need to be supported and encouraged to move in a variety of ways depending on their age and stage of development.

It will provide insights, advice and practical strategies from experienced practitioners, academics and consultants around how to review and evaluate your current practice in order to enhance the quality of physical development practice in your setting, both indoors and outdoors.

It will leave you inspired and empowered to put physical development at the heart of your provision and enable children - from babies to pre-schoolers - to be active, laying strong foundations for their happiness and health.

Early years expert speakers on the day include:
• Sally Goddard-Blythe, author and director of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology, on what children’s bodies and brains need.
• Dr Lala Manners, director of Active Matters, with some top tips on getting everyone moving.
• Julia Manning-Morton, independent early years consultant, trainer and author, on physical development for under-threes.
• Iram Siraj, professor of child development and education at the Department of Education, University of Oxford, on the use of the MOVERS Scale
• Anne O’Connor, independent early years consultant on Motion and emotion: exploring grief and loss through movement play and dance.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to choose from three workshops:
• Embodied learning: bringing movement play indoors with Penny Greenland and Catherine Wilks of Jabado.
• Developing your physical development practice by Tania Swift, director of B Inspired.
• Supporting self-initiated free movement by Rachel Tapping, chair of Pikler UK Association.