Physical Development of Young Children

Know key stages in the physical development of young children.

Additional details

Learners do not need to have an in-depth knowledge of the stages of physical development. They should be able to describe the key stages including some information on expected abilities at each of the key stages, giving examples of what a child developing normally can do physically at each of the stages. 

The physical needs of young children can include:

• warmth
• fresh air and exercise
• food and clothing
• shelter
• sleep and rest
• cleanliness i.e. hair, teeth, feet and skin

Factors affecting physical development may include:

• common childhood illnesses e.g. colds, earache, vomiting, infectious diseases
• quality of diet and frequency of exercise
• environment e.g. pollution, access to open spaces

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Describe the key stages in the physical development of young children.

• 1.2

  Outline key physical needs of young child at different ages.

• 1.3

  Outline factors that can affect the physical development of young children, including common childhood illnesses.

Know the importance of a healthy diet, exercise and rest for the healthy development of young children.

Additional details

The importance of health diet may include:

• provision of nutrients to help the body grow and develop
• gives energy
• improves concentration
• helps fight infection
• protects against long term illness

A healthy diet should consist of:

• fruit and vegetables 
• bread, other cereals and potatoes
• milk and other dairy products
• fatty and sugary foods
• meat, fish, eggs and alternatives

Some reasons for the importance of exercise and rest include:

• keeps muscles flexible
• strengthens bones
• encourages appetite
• improves concentration
• allows body to recover from exercise

The learner also needs to consider how to incorporate exercise and rest into daily routines.

Learners need to provide examples of actives that promote exercise. These could include group activities, team games.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Give reasons why a healthy diet is important for the physical development of young children.

• 2.2

  Outline key elements of a healthy diet.

• 2.3

  Give reasons why exercise and rest are important for the healthy physical development of young children.

• 2.4

  Give examples of activities that promote exercise to children at different ages.

• 2.5

  Outline ways in which exercise and rest can be incorporated into the daily routine for children of different ages.

Know how to meet the physical needs of children of different ages in a care setting.

Additional details

Learners need to identify key responsibilities of staff in meeting the physical needs of:

• babies e.g. toileting, washing, dressing, feeding
• toddlers e.g. supporting and encouraging the toddler to be gain independence of their own physical needs
• pre-school children e.g. continuing to develop independence within a safe and secure environment, sensitively handling situation such as soiling themselves, putting clothes on the wrong way round

Difficulties may include:

• making sure the parent or guardian wishes are met
• staffing, resources, having sufficient time due to other demands in the setting

The examples given above are a sample. The tutor and learner may suggest other equally valid responses. 

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Identify key responsibilities of staff in a care setting in relation to meeting the physical needs of babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

• 3.2

  Outline some of the difficulties that carers might face in meeting the physical needs of young children in a care setting.