Poor physical development in young children has been shown to impact readiness for school, behaviour, social development and academic achievement. This research sought to explore whether a physical intervention programme (Movement for Learning) can improve children’s physical development. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd edition, MABC-2) was used to assess 108 children (aged 4-5) from three schools in the UK at the start and end of the Reception Year (4-5 years). A monitoring and evaluation survey was completed by 37 teachers which highlighted ways in which the programme had impacted children. Univariate ANOVA using change scores showed significant changes in favour of the intervention group who had undertaken the movement programme.
Pat Preedy has had a long and distinguished career in education, which includes being a global Chief Academic Officer for early childhood education, Executive Principal of a school catering for pupils from 3 months to 18 years with boarding, Head Teacher of one of the first Beacon Schools in the UK and a school inspector. She has conducted a range of research including the ‘Movement for Learning’ and ‘Parents as Play Partners’ projects. As honorary research consultant for Twins Trust Pat has conducted extensive research into meeting the educational needs of multiple birth children and has developed an online accredited course for teachers with Professor John Mascazine through Ohio Dominican University.
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