{"id":34817,"date":"2025-12-12T13:51:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T13:51:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/?page_id=34817"},"modified":"2025-12-12T13:51:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T13:51:06","slug":"physical-needs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/ordinarily-available-inclusive-provision\/targeted-support-framework-eyfs\/sensory-and-physical-needs-ey\/physical-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Physical needs in the early years"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content-heading-quote clearfix \" id=\"block_acf-block-693c1dc5f3c98\"><div class=\"hq-outer\"><h2><span class=\"hq-heading\">What are physical needs?<\/span><span class=\"hq-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"a\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\"><defs><style>.b{fill:none;stroke:#242a5f;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:4px;}.c{fill:#242a5f;}<\/style><\/defs><path class=\"b\" d=\"M74.43,1.95s2.1,26.63-23.86,43.38c-27.08,17.47-22.16,52.75-22.16,52.75\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M54.65,83.31s16.82-24.99,37.97,0c0,0-18.26,24.27-37.97,0Z\"><\/path><line class=\"b\" x1=\"51.41\" y1=\"65.29\" x2=\"57.51\" y2=\"71.38\"><\/line><line class=\"b\" x1=\"95.45\" y1=\"65.29\" x2=\"89.35\" y2=\"71.38\"><\/line><line class=\"b\" x1=\"73.77\" y1=\"56.66\" x2=\"73.51\" y2=\"65.29\"><\/line><circle class=\"c\" cx=\"73.64\" cy=\"79.05\" r=\"6.85\"><\/circle><path class=\"b\" d=\"M7.33,19.16s24.51-7.11,19.46,15.53c0,0-1.98,7.04-6.73,8.97-3.64,1.48-1.29,7.84-1.29,7.84,0,0,1.44,6.42-3.33,7.7s-8.29-1.97-7.75-6.71\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M30.15,13.75s9.89,1.2,6.52,13.22\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M36.19,7.5s15.09,4.75,7.25,23.18\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M7.18,33.81s3.78-.44,4.28,2.52c.61,3.61-.31,4.44-3.69,5.46\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span><\/h2><div class=\"hq-intro\"><p>A physical disability is a &#8216;limitation on a person&#8217;s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina.&#8217; It has a &#8216;substantial&#8217; and &#8216;long-term&#8217; negative effect on a person&#8217;s ability to do daily activities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-693c1dc60005d\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#f3f1f6;}.cls-2{fill:#5d4c77;}<\/style><\/defs><g id=\"Group_7793\"><path id=\"Path_2\" class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M17.57,2.73h24.27l16.17,16.5v23.01l-16.17,17.76h-23.43L1.48,42.24v-23.01S17.57,2.73,17.57,2.73Z\"><\/path><g id=\"question-octagon\"><g id=\"Group_7792\"><path id=\"Path_6596\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M17.02.55C17.37.2,17.85,0,18.34,0h23.3C42.14,0,42.61.2,42.96.55l16.48,16.48c.35.35.55.83.55,1.32v23.3c0,.5-.2.97-.55,1.32l-16.48,16.48c-.35.35-.83.55-1.32.55h-23.3c-.5,0-.97-.2-1.32-.55L.55,42.97c-.35-.35-.55-.82-.55-1.32v-23.3c0-.5.2-.97.55-1.32L17.02.55ZM19.12,3.75L3.75,19.12v21.75l15.38,15.38h21.75l15.38-15.38v-21.75l-15.38-15.38h-21.76Z\"><\/path><path id=\"Path_6597\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M19.57,21.78c-.01.24.08.48.26.65s.41.27.66.26h3.14c.52-.01.95-.41,1.01-.93.34-2.43,2.05-4.21,5.1-4.21,2.61,0,5,1.27,5,4.33,0,2.36-1.42,3.44-3.67,5.09-2.56,1.81-4.58,3.93-4.44,7.37v.8c.03.51.45.92.96.91h3.08c.52,0,.94-.41.95-.93v-.39c0-2.66,1.04-3.44,3.84-5.51,2.32-1.72,4.73-3.62,4.73-7.63,0-5.6-4.85-8.31-10.16-8.31-4.82,0-10.09,2.19-10.45,8.48v.02ZM25.49,43.16c.05,1.96,1.68,3.5,3.64,3.45.07,0,.14,0,.2,0,2.32,0,3.91-1.46,3.91-3.44s-1.6-3.49-3.91-3.49c-1.94-.16-3.65,1.28-3.82,3.22,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,.09-.01.17-.01.26h-.01Z\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Identification<\/strong> &#8211; what you may see in the child<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><ul>\n<li>Difficulty accessing resources.<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty processing information, tires easily.<\/li>\n<li>Seeks support from adults to move around the setting.<\/li>\n<li>Unable to participate in some activities with their peers.<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty standing up and maintaining balance &#8211; may fall frequently.<\/li>\n<li>Unable to get on or off the toilet.<\/li>\n<li>Unable to dress or undress themselves.<\/li>\n<li>Needs longer to eat and drink.<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty sitting on the floor and getting up or down.<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty manipulating small objects, and\/or using everyday resources such as scissors and pens.<\/li>\n<li>Struggles to navigate spaces.<\/li>\n<li>Struggles to make relationships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-693c1dc6001ff\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" viewBox=\"0 0 60.07 60\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#f3f1f6;}.cls-2{fill:#5d4c77;}<\/style><\/defs><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"43.44 27.53 31.1 31.33 31.1 12.17 43.44 8.78 43.44 27.53\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"41.76 6.92 30.45 10.08 17.08 6.58 30.36 3.46 41.76 6.92\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"28.93 52.72 16.58 56.52 16.58 37.36 28.93 33.97 28.93 52.72\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"57.97 52.73 45.62 56.53 45.62 37.37 57.97 33.97 57.97 52.73\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"28 32.55 16.69 35.72 3.33 32.21 16.6 29.09 28 32.55\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"55.99 32.46 44.67 35.71 31.39 32.45 44.67 29.22 55.99 32.46\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"44.38 56.8 31.1 52.76 31.1 33.7 43.87 37.1 44.38 56.8\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"15.09 56.8 1.81 52.76 1.81 33.7 14.58 37.1 15.09 56.8\"><\/polygon><polygon class=\"cls-1\" points=\"29.42 31.61 16.59 27.57 16.59 8.51 28.93 11.91 29.42 31.61\"><\/polygon><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M60.14,32.49c0-.06,0-.1-.02-.16,0-.02,0-.06-.02-.08-.02-.05-.03-.1-.06-.15,0-.02-.02-.05-.03-.07-.03-.06-.07-.12-.11-.17,0,0,0-.02-.02-.02-.05-.06-.11-.12-.17-.17-.02,0-.03-.02-.04-.02-.05-.03-.09-.06-.15-.09-.03-.01-.06-.02-.09-.03-.03,0-.06-.02-.09-.03l-13.74-3.93V7.04c0-.06,0-.1-.02-.16,0-.02,0-.06-.02-.08-.02-.05-.03-.1-.06-.15,0-.02-.02-.05-.03-.07-.03-.06-.07-.12-.11-.17,0,0,0-.02-.02-.02-.05-.06-.11-.12-.17-.17-.02,0-.02-.02-.04-.02-.05-.03-.09-.06-.15-.09-.03-.01-.06-.02-.09-.03-.03,0-.06-.02-.09-.03L30.31,1.89c-.2-.06-.4-.06-.6,0l-14.53,4.15-.1.04s-.04.02-.06.02c-.42.19-.67.63-.63,1.09v20.38L.66,31.49s-.06.02-.09.03c-.02,0-.06.02-.08.03-.05.02-.1.06-.15.09-.02,0-.02.02-.04.02-.06.05-.12.1-.17.17,0,0,0,.02-.02.02-.04.06-.08.11-.11.17,0,.02-.02.05-.03.07-.02.05-.04.09-.06.15,0,.02-.02.06-.02.08,0,.05-.02.1-.02.16v21.03c0,.48.31.9.77,1.04l14.53,4.47c.21.06.43.06.65,0l14.2-4.37,14.2,4.37c.21.06.43.06.65,0l14.53-4.47c.46-.14.77-.57.77-1.04v-21.03h-.04ZM14.4,56.52l-12.35-3.8v-18.75l12.35,3.39v19.16ZM15.49,35.4l-10.49-2.88,10.49-3,10.49,3s-10.49,2.88-10.49,2.88ZM28.93,52.73l-12.35,3.8v-19.16l12.35-3.39v18.75ZM28.93,31.09l-12.34-3.53V8.51l12.34,3.4v19.18ZM19.53,7.06l10.49-3,10.49,3-10.49,2.89s-10.49-2.89-10.49-2.89ZM43.44,8.51v19.05l-12.35,3.53V11.91l12.35-3.39h0ZM43.44,56.52l-12.35-3.8v-18.75l12.35,3.39s0,19.16,0,19.16ZM44.54,35.4l-10.49-2.88,10.49-3,10.49,3s-10.49,2.88-10.49,2.88ZM57.97,52.73l-12.35,3.8v-19.16l12.35-3.39v18.75Z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Planned<\/strong> provision in the setting<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><ul>\n<li>Ensure <strong>rest places<\/strong> are available.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure <strong>resources are at different heights<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Review the environment to consider accessibility.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Plan <strong>moving and handling training for key staff<\/strong>, to ensure safe, practical handling techniques are followed and a handling plan is in place.<\/li>\n<li>Carry out <strong>regular audits of indoor and outdoor spaces<\/strong> to ensure individual children\u2019s safety and access to opportunities, equipment and resources can be met.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Specialist equipment may be needed<\/strong> to support physical, postural, or functional needs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Play games and use songs to help support the development of body awareness<\/strong> &#8211; for example, \u2018Head, shoulders, knees, and toes\u2019, \u2018When you\u2019re happy and you know it\u2019. Use stories and encourage the children to join in with movements for example, \u2018We\u2019re Going on a Bear Hunt\u2019 .<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use simple obstacle courses in familiar spaces<\/strong>, support the child to move under, around, through, step into and out of. Encourage children to show and tell each other how to get into and out of boxes, tunnels etc.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Provide opportunities to develop balance and coordination,<\/strong> using rockers, see-saws, push-along or ride-on toys.\u00a0 Encourage children to use equipment they can be on with other children, for example, being pushed or pulled in a trailer behind a toy. Use different sized \u2018physio\u2019 balls for children to lie over and balance with their feet and hands.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use wobble or balance boards<\/strong> for children to experiment with, sitting, kneeling, standing, as appropriate to the child\u2019s ability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Slower moving objects are easier to catch<\/strong>, for example, lightweight balls or balloons. Provide resources such as Koosh, spider balls, and bean bag.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use alternative equipment and resources<\/strong> from OT, Physio or Advisory teachers, to include self-help skills.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accessibility planning to include Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan &#8211; PEEP<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that an <strong>accessible toilet and an intimate care policy is in place<\/strong> for the individual child.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-693c1dc60035a\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" viewBox=\"0 0 76.62 60\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#f3f1f6;}.cls-2{fill:#5d4c77;}<\/style><\/defs><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M1.37,3h73v52H1.37V3Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M46.52,13.63h19.15v5.47h-19.15v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M46.52,27.26h19.15v5.47h-19.15v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M46.52,40.9h19.15v5.47h-19.15v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M10.94,13.63h19.15v5.47H10.94v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M10.94,27.26h19.15v5.47H10.94v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M10.94,40.9h19.15v5.47H10.94v-5.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M71.14,0H5.47C2.46,0,0,2.44,0,5.45v49.09c0,3.02,2.46,5.46,5.47,5.46h65.67c3.02,0,5.47-2.44,5.47-5.46V5.45C76.61,2.44,74.16,0,71.14,0ZM5.47,5.45h30.1v49.09H5.47V5.45ZM41.04,54.54V5.45h30.1v49.09h-30.1Z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Resources<\/strong> for settings<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Support services<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/request-for-access-to-send-support-guidance\/\">Request Support from Devon&#8217;s Sensory or Physical Needs Team<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/devoneducationservices.co.uk\/events\/5900092e-b805-4c1d-b5b8-d5a27cd22910\/Moving-and-handling-of-children-and-young-people-with-physical-difficulties-Init\" rel=\"noopener\">Moving and handling of children and young people with physical difficulties training<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/devoncarers.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Devon Carers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Further reading and information<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Devon sensory and physical resources and information:\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/\">Devon&#8217;s Sensory or Physical Needs Team (physical difficulties)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/conditions\/\">Conditions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/positioning\/\">Positioning<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/useful-physical-difficulties-websites\/\">Useful physical difficulties websites<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/managing-fatigue\/\">Managing fatigue<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/concentration-and-organisation\/\"> Concentration and organisation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/top-ten-tips-for-pe\/\">Top ten tips for PE<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/moving-and-handling\/\">Moving and handling<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/health-topic\/physical-disability\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Physical Disabilities<\/a> | Children and Family Health Devon<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/body-awareness-in-pe-tips-and-advice\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Body awareness in PE &#8211; tips and advice<\/a> | Children and Family Health Devon<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/accessories-that-can-be-used-to-support-with-mealtimes\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Accessories that can be used to support with mealtimes<\/a> | Children and Family Health Devon<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/tiny-happy-people\/activities\" rel=\"noopener\">Activities for babies, toddlers and kids: fun games to help development and bonding<\/a> | BBC Tiny Happy People<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.earlymovers.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Helping under 5s live active and healthy lives<\/a> | Early Movers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Resources to share with parents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/backward-chaining-teaching-young-ones-self-care\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Backward chaining: teaching young ones self-care<\/a> |Children and Family Health Devon<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/accessories-for-toilet-training-and-going-to-the-toilet\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Accessories for toilet training and going to the toilet<\/a>| Children and Family Health Devon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":981,"featured_media":0,"parent":34763,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-34817","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-28 21:53:06","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34817","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/981"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34817"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34817\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34898,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34817\/revisions\/34898"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}