Physical education as part of early childhood education

In Espoo, physical activity is an integral part of every day in early childhood education. Together with guardians, we support children’s health, wellbeing and growth towards a physically active lifestyle.

We are participating in the national Liikkuva varhaiskasvatus (Joy in Motion) programme, which aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to take part in and enjoy diverse physical activities every day.

We regularly offer our staff additional training related to physical activity, and a multi-professional network is responsible for overseeing the development of physical education.

Early childhood experiences of physical activity have a far-reaching impact on a child later in life and the way they see themselves as a physically active person.

Our early childhood education units encourage children to be active in many ways and experience the joy of physical activity. Physical activity is part of our daily routines and takes place indoors, outdoors, as part of play and during transitions – all year round.

Our staff support the development of children’s body awareness and perceptual motor skills. Through various games, play and rhymes, children practise basic motor skills, such as balance, movement, and object control skills, which form the foundation for all movement and being independent in everyday life.

Physical activity is known to have many health benefits, but it is also linked to learning, social skills and the development of a positive self-image.

In early childhood education, the daily schedule is planned to ensure that children have plenty of opportunities to be physically active in different ways and in various situations. Various equipment is also available to children during free play, making physical activity a natural part of daily routines.

Physical activity and active play are also key tools for learning. For example, we use activity-based games and rhymes to support children’s language development.

Nature is an important part of the learning environment in Espoo. Children are able to enjoy activities and learning outdoors every day. The ‘Mennään metsään’ week (‘Let’s go to the forest’), held every autumn and spring in Espoo, also promotes outdoor learning. During the week, early childhood education groups organise as many activities as possible in the forest and other outdoor areas.

Every child has the right to participate in physical activity, experience success and appropriate challenges, and enjoy being active.

Our early childhood education units promote equal access to physical education and encourage all children to be active. Inclusive physical education is supported by equipment lending services, through which Espoo’s municipal day care groups can borrow items like snowshoes, skis, skates and hiking gear. The lending services also offer equipment for children with disabilities, including skating sleds and special swings.