With growing concerns over declining levels of school readiness and physical activity, this book outlines the importance of quality early movement experiences and explores the connection between poor early physical development opportunities and later difficulties in the classroom.

Introduction, 1. The Origins and Evolution of Physical Education (PE) and Physical Development (PD) in Early Childhood 0-8 years, 2. Physical Literacy in Early Childhood, 3. The Complex Nature of Early Childhood Movement Skills Development, 4. Physical Activity in the Early Years, 5. Finland: An International Approach to Physical Development, 6. Natural Physical Development in the First Year: The Pikler Approach, 7. Practical Approaches for Meeting the Physical Development Needs of Babies and Toddlers, 8. Physical Development in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), 9. Physical Development and Physical Education for 5-7 Year olds, 10. Unlocking Physical Potential: Putting Right What has 'Gone Wrong', 11. Adapting Sports for Young Children, 12. Adapting the Environment for the Early Years, 13. Physical Development Through Outdoor Play: The Example of Forest School, 14. Enhancing Physical Development Through Play, 15. Physical Development Programmes and Approaches: Content and Impact, Conclusion