Post by The School Playground Company Ltd

Are Our Youngest Children Moving Enough? The Reality Might Surprise You.. For children aged 3–4, the recommendation is 3 hours of physical activity every day - including at least 60 minutes of energetic, heart-pumping movement.* But research from the University of Bristol shows: 📊 Only 23% of 2–4-year-olds meet the 3-hour guideline 📊 Just 2.4% achieve the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity Even more concerning, data from Sport England highlights a clear inequality: ⚠️ Children in areas of higher social deprivation are less likely to meet daily activity guidelines than those in more affluent communities Source: https://lnkd.in/eyS8wPPV Why this matters for early years settings.... Outdoor space alone is not enough. What truly makes the difference is the quality of the environment, the design, the challenge, and the opportunities it creates for children to move, explore, and learn. A well-designed outdoor space supports: 💪 Physical development (strength, balance, coordination) 🧠 Curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving 🤝 Social skills, confidence, and emotional wellbeing 🌱 Learning through real-world exploration and risk-taking The message is clear: outdoor play is not an extra - it’s essential. Every nursery and pre-school has the power to close the movement gap by creating environments where children are naturally active, engaged, and thriving every day. The School Playground Company helps settings design outdoor spaces that inspire movement, learning, and joy—ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Discover more in our latest Blog: Why 3 Hours of Daily Physical Activity Matters in Pre-School Settings https://lnkd.in/eXfFvX-E #EarlyYears #OutdoorLearning #ActivePlay #ChildDevelopment #EYFS #PlayMatters #OutdoorPlay #HealthAndWellbeing #NurseryDesign #SchoolsOutdoorPlay