Physical Literacy

Physical Literacy is our relationship with movement and physical activity throughout life.

It is shaped by the world we live in and by the opportunities we have to be active.

'It is vital that young people are given opportunities to build and develop skills and active habits throughout their childhood. Only through play and movement throughout childhood will they develop ‘physical literacy’ (the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding of individuals and how this influences the way they value and take responsibility for engaging in physical activities for life). Schools are in a unique position to provide opportunities to participate and to help build these essential physical literacy skills that lead to lifelong engagement and participation.'

Research demonstrates that children who are fitter outperform young people with lower fitness on tests of cognitive function. Data from Sport England’s Active Lives (Children & Young People) survey also found that there is a positive association between children who participate in more sport and physical activity and their levels of mental wellbeing, resilience, and attitudes towards their community.

On account of less than half of all children and young people meeting the Chief Medical Officer's guidelines which advise that children aged between 5 and 18 do an average of at least 60 minutes of sport and physical activity a day, we feel developing consensus on shared understanding of physical literacy is a priority, as understanding what impacts people’s relationship with movement and physical activity throughout life will enable those working in the sector to ensure their offer is as appealing as possible.

'Physical literacy is something that’s not taught, but fostered through the accumulation of positive movement experiences.'