The first 5 years of a child's life is a significant period in development. During this time, the foundations are laid that will impact future health, wellbeing, learning and long-term life chances.
Good physical activity habits during childhood can lead to participation in later life so it is important to encourage under 5's to be active to benefit their health and wellbeing now and into adulthood. Being active can start as a young infant; babies need time and space to practice movements and as they start to crawl and walk they continue to need opportunities to be active.
Physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development and it is important to gain motor skills and improve cognitive, social and emotional development. Developing physical literacy is also crucial, this can be described as 'the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to maintain physical activity throughout the lifecourse' (Margaret Whitehead, 2010).
