Early Years Motor Screening Programme
Unlock the potential of every child with the afPE ground-breaking Early Years Motor Screening Programme!
Discover the Need
afPE's course* stems from the recognition that some children enter school facing motor competency challenges. Whether it's a lack of exposure to physical activity, excessive screen time, or posture issues from extended periods in prams or car seats, we've identified the key contributors.
Diagnostic Screening
Our one-day course equips practitioners—teachers, Learning Support Assistants (LSA's), coaches, and teacher trainers—with the skills to conduct diagnostic screenings in schools.
Prescriptive Interventions
Following the screening, children receive targeted interventions within the school environment. This not only improves their movement skills but also positively influences self-perception and confidence, fostering greater engagement in physical activities and education.
Timely Intervention
The NHS waiting list for therapy services can be an agonising four years. We believe this is unacceptable. Our vision is to implement nationwide motor competency screening in schools, providing a diagnostic tool for early identification and intervention.
Comprehensive Training
As a teacher, LSA, coach, or teacher trainer, you can be a change-maker! Sign up for our one-day certificated course jointly awarded by afPE and the Leadership Skills Foundation. For just £299, gain the expertise and resources to conduct effective screenings and implement tailored interventions in schools.
Why Screen for Movements
We screen for phonics and numeracy, but what about a child's ability to move effectively? Physical development is a crucial aspect, and our programme bridges this gap
What does this course qualify me to do?
This course qualifies you to accurately assess children’s motor competency using a baseline assessment tool. Furthermore, it enables you to run interventions for children to help them improve their motor competency and to help them suppress primitive reflexes which will improve coordination, balance, proprioception, agility. This will enable children to take part with greater confidence in physical education lessons and physical activity. Interventions take place within school - short 15 minute sessions throughout the week
*The foundational investigation has been conducted with the support and oversight of the National Health Service (NHS) and has been formulated under the guidance of Dr. Vanessa King, Senior Consultant at the Association for Physical Education (afPE). The representation and presentation of the resources are afPE copyright.
Upcoming Courses
These practical and engaging courses are held at various locations across the country, making them accessible to teachers nationwide. New course dates and venues are continually being added to meet growing demand, ensuring flexible options for participants. Make sure to regularly check in to ensure you don't miss out on a course near you! If you are interested in hosting an event and the benefits that come with that, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Objectives
Understand physical development: Explore how physical activity underpins all areas of learning and development in the early years, including gross and fine motor skills.
Plan purposeful activities: Learn how to plan and implement engaging physical activities that align with the EYFS framework.
Improve practitioner skills: Enhance knowledge and confidence in supporting children's physical development through movement, play, and exploration.
Link theory to practice: Discover the neuroscience and research behind physical development and its impact on lifelong health and learning.
Course Features
Interactive Learning: Sessions include practical demonstrations, active participation, and discussions.
Curriculum Alignment: The course aligns with EYFS statutory guidance, helping participants incorporate physical development effectively into the learning environment.
Physical Literacy Focus: Emphasises building fundamental movement skills, such as balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
Sustainability: Helps practitioners create sustainable, high-quality physical activity programmes for their settings.
Course Fees
Membership Rate
£299
Non-membership Rate
£349
- Claire Tennyson: Partnership Manager & Executive Director"The Early Years Motor Screening Course was great. It isn't often that we attend courses so late in our career that we learn lots of new things about child development. We have started to carry out the screening across our partnership schools and we expected to see most children being successful in the 15 diagnostic tests. Unfortunately we have seen the opposite. This is a real eye opener for us and the school staff and has really highlighted the need to do the recommended interventions. This is the best programme we have rolled out across the partnership for a while, and we hope to be measuring the impact on children's movement next academic year. For now, it has been a fantastic education for us and our schools on the issues we are facing and the importance of movement and play for this age group."
Watch the Webinar Behind the Research
To gain a deeper understanding of the research underpinning the afPE Early Years Motor Screening Programme Award, watch the full webinar recording. This session explores key research findings, their implications for early years practice, and the importance of motor screening in child development.