Intent

At The Mead Infant and Nursery School, our intent for Physical Education (PE) is to instil in every child the knowledge, skills, and motivation to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. We are committed to ensuring that all children understand the importance of physical activity for their physical and mental well-being and are equipped with the confidence and competence to participate in a wide range of physical activities.

From Nursery through to Year 2, our PE curriculum is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and progressive. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the focus is on developing fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, balancing, and negotiating space safely. Children are encouraged to explore movement through play and structured activities, using a variety of equipment to build coordination and spatial awareness. Daily physical activity is embedded within the continuous provision to promote physical development as part of holistic learning.

As children move into Key Stage 1, they build upon these foundations by mastering basic movements and applying them in increasingly complex ways. They develop agility, balance, and coordination, and begin to understand and apply simple tactics in team games. Children also learn to express themselves through dance, using simple movement patterns to perform and respond to music.

Our intent is not only to develop physical competence but also to foster a lifelong love of movement and sport. Through high-quality teaching and a broad range of opportunities, we aim to nurture resilience, teamwork, and a positive attitude towards health and fitness. PE at The Mead is about more than sport—it is about empowering children to make healthy choices and enjoy being active throughout their lives.

Implementation

At The Mead Infant and Nursery School, we implement our PE curriculum through a structured, progressive, and inclusive approach that ensures all children develop the physical skills, confidence, and enjoyment necessary for lifelong participation in physical activity.

From Reception through to the end of Key Stage 1, we follow the Get Set 4 PE scheme of work. This high-quality scheme provides clear progression within and across year groups, ensuring continuity from the Early Years Foundation Stage into Key Stage 1. Each unit builds on prior learning, beginning with the development of individual skills such as balancing, passing, and dribbling, and progressing to applying these skills in games, sequences, and performances. Lessons are carefully sequenced to revisit and deepen understanding, allowing children to consolidate and extend their physical abilities over time.

Children are given regular opportunities to practise and refine skills in a variety of contexts, including individual, paired, and group activities. Our curriculum includes both competitive and cooperative elements, encouraging teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Activities are designed to promote increasing levels of independence, competence, and collaboration as pupils move through the school.

In addition to our timetabled PE lessons, we embed physical activity throughout the school day. In the EYFS, physical development is supported through continuous provision, including access to a dedicated physical development area. Across the school, children engage in daily movement opportunities such as Jump Start Jonny sessions, sensory circuits, active learning breaks, and structured playground games. These activities support physical and emotional regulation, as well as reinforce the importance of regular movement for health and well-being.

We also provide opportunities for whole-school participation in physical events, including our annual Sports Day.  This event fosters community spirit and provides a platform for children to celebrate their achievements in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Impact

The impact of our Physical Education curriculum is continuously monitored to ensure that all children make sustained progress in their physical development and are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children’s physical development is assessed regularly through observation and the use of developmental checkpoints. These assessments inform planning and ensure that children are on track to meet the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) for Physical Development by the end of Reception. Progress is tracked across both gross and fine motor skills, with a strong emphasis on developing coordination, control, and movement confidence.

In Key Stage 1, teachers assess pupils against clearly defined learning objectives at the end of each unit, using formative assessment to inform next steps and ensure progression. These objectives are aligned with the Get Set 4 PE scheme and the National Curriculum, allowing for consistent and meaningful evaluation of each child’s development in agility, balance, coordination, teamwork, and tactical understanding.

Through our carefully planned and inclusive PE curriculum, children leave The Mead Infant and Nursery School with a strong foundation in physical literacy. They develop the confidence, competence, and positive attitudes needed to engage in physical activity and sport. Our pupils are equipped not only with the skills to succeed in sporting challenges but also with the motivation to lead active, healthy lives as they transition into Key Stage 2 and beyond.