Physical Activity in Early Years

The Chief Medical Officers’ recommendations around physical exercise for children under five years are:  

Active children are healthy, happy, school-ready and sleep better.

• Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments.
• Children of pre-school age who are capable of walking unaided should be physically active daily for at least 180 minutes (3 hours), spread throughout the day.
• All under fives should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (being restrained or sitting) for extended periods (except time spent sleeping).

Physical activity guidelines: early years (under 5s) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)