The FUNdamental Movement Ideas for the Early Years programme aims to improve levels of health and activity in young children. Exercises have been designed to develop children's basic skills of balance, co-ordination, rebound and speed, and provide the foundation for later sports involvement.
FUNdamentals caters for children from when they can first walk up to the age of six. The programme's exercises revolve around a cartoon character called Funky Cat and six members of his family, Springy, Stretchy, Steady, Speedy, Sporty and Swingy.
Dee Readhead, who co-developed FUNdamentals with Hilary Sommerville of the British Gymnastics Early Years Development Team, said, 'We started designing the programme about two years ago because we felt there was an urgent need to introduce pre-school children to movement. In today's society, too many children sit in front of the TV.
'The response has been brilliant. We use the characters of Funky Cat and his family to get the children involved. From the age of 18 months they are introduced to running with Speedy and balancing on one leg with Steady.'
The FUNdamentals programme is accompanied by 16 different themed wall charts, including travel, shopping, the countryside and the seaside. Each chart is laid out as a complete lesson, with a work card to help leaders organise the session. Badges and certificates are available to reward children for completing a theme.
Ms Readhead said, 'We know leaders are very busy, so the resource packs hand everything to them on a plate. The work cards include extension ideas and advice on healthy eating and nutrition.'
More information is available on the website www.earlyyearsfundamentals.co.uk.