Early Years

The early years are a crucial time for children’s development. One in five children are already overweight or obese before they start school and only one in ten children aged two to four meets the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines for this age group. This section outlines the ways in which Active Essex provides opportunities for parents and children to achieve a more active daily life.

In the UK, 91% of children under the age of 4 are still not reaching the recommended levels of physical activity (PA), this will impact on all areas of development and increases the risk of mental and physical health concerns in later life. The recommended amount of daily physical activity for a child aged under 5 is 180 minutes (3 hours) incorporating 60 minutes for MVPA (moderate to vigorous physical activity).

Early Years Movement Mark

With previously no mechanism by which to officially recognise excellence in Early Years Physical Development provision, we are proud to offer providers the opportunity to apply for an Active Essex Early Years Movement Mark. The award, alongside the #MovewithUs Essex-wide campaign considers how providers are increasing awareness around the importance of positive early movement opportunities and providing these to the children in their care. The award is in place to further enhance the knowledge, skills and quality of Physical Development and Movement amongst Early Years providers.

Read more about our Early Years Movement Mark here

How to apply?

Apply for the Active Essex Early Years Mark here.

Information and Guidance

Information for those working with Early Years

Children Centres in Essex

Information on Children’s Centres in Essex.

Useful Links

Family Hubs

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GUIDELINES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR AND SLEEP

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'No Chair Day'

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The Nursery with No Toys

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30 reasons why free play benefits children

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UK Active - Generation Inactive 2

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Childhood Obesity Strategy

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Physical Literacy Framework

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Small Grants Big Impact Report

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Schools

With Physical development (PD) as a prime area in Early Years, it is integral that we support the growth and development of both the brain and body in infancy and early childhood. At Active Essex, we aim to support EY settings the best we can, with targeted projects, programmes and supporting resources.

Parents & Carers

The role of parents and carers is vital in ensuring our young people have exposure to ‘a movement-rich’ environment and experience. We know that physical activity has a hugely positive impact on physical development, physical health, social skills and emotional heath. At Active Essex, we embrace the impact of physical activity in a holistic manner and want to support parents and carers in accessing some fantastic groups, spaces and ideas to give young children the best possible start to their journeys.

Guidance & Documents

In order to provide the best support necessary for our young people, we have compiled supporting guidance for EY practitioners and schools along with other overarching documents to pinpoint how to best assist a good level of development across Essex.