An Early Years viewpoint of a bottom up approach to PE, Physical Activity and Physical Development with Helen Battelley

Guest Helen Battelley is a world-renowned expert in physical activity in the Early Years. In this episode of The PE Huddle, Helen shares from her wealth of experience, and will inspire you to overhaul your provision. Helen’s enthusiasm for her work is infectious and her top tips will add creativity and fun to the learning in your school.

Who is Helen Battelley?

Helen is an Early Years PE and physical development specialist. As a consultant, trainer, author and speaker she is highly respected for her contribution to raising the profile of early years physical activity. 

She has been working as a dance and movement specialist for over 19 years and continues to work directly with children as a researcher for Birmingham City University

The embodiment of her practice is to raise confidence and value in the areas of music, movement and physical activity. 

What’s covered in the podcast?

In this episode, Helen: 

• explains why PE, physical activity and physical development are so important in the Early Years (and Key Stage 1) and why an understanding of neuroscience is so valuable to Early Years educators.
• tells us why she believes that change needs to be made through a bottom-up approach rather than a top-down one.
• shares what she thinks are the key ingredients for a strong ethos towards PE, sport and physical activity in schools.
• discusses what the biggest challenges are that primary schools are facing at this time.