Supporting physical development in early childhood

Are you involved in caring for or educating babies and young children either as a practitioner in the workforce or as a parent? In this free course, Supporting physical development in early childhood, you will learn how to ensure young children do enough physical activity and how it improves child mental and physical health development.As you explore the holistic health and developmental benefits of physical activity, you’ll learn low cost, effective ways of ensuring babies and young children meet the 180 minutes per day of recommended activity. You’ll also find out how physical activity can improve child mental health and wellbeing, as well as contribute to the prevention of childhood obesity.This course draws on research and expertise from academics from early childhood, sport and fitness at The Open University and Active Matters, and Angela Baker, Children's & Health Inequalities, Coventry City Council.Interested in taking your learning further? You might find it helpful to explore the Open University’s Early Years courses and qualifications.

• Week 1: The growth and physical development of young children
• Week 2: Body systems, senses and physical development
• Week 3: Supporting the development of children’s movement skills
• Week 4: Movement and learning
• Week 5: Physical development and play
• Week 6: Health and physical development