Physical Development Network: Move to Thrive! Baby Music & Sensory Play

Ideal for baby room practitioners looking to deepen their understanding

From the very beginning of life, babies are learning through their senses—taking in the world through sound, touch, movement, and rhythm.

Music and sensory play offer some of the most powerful opportunities for early connection, communication, and development.

In this session, we’ll explore how these experiences support core areas of the EYFS, particularly:

• Communication and Language – promoting early listening, turn-taking, and sound discrimination
• Physical Development – supporting sensory integration, coordination, and early motor control
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development – nurturing secure attachments, emotional regulation, and joyful interaction

We’ll also link these approaches to developmental milestones, including early responses to sounds, emerging body awareness, and the beginnings of expressive communication.

This session will offer practical ideas, gentle guidance, and a deeper understanding of why these early sensory interactions are so vital for lifelong learning and well-being.

Let’s dive into the world of sound, sensation, and discovery—together!

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Join our Physical Development Network: Move to Thrive!

A community of early years educators sharing best practices around movement, motor skills, and physical activity.

The network will provide:

• A platform for training, resources, and evidence-based strategies to support children’s physical development.
• A space to promote staff wellbeing through movement-based approaches that benefit both children and practitioners.
• Opportunities to collaborate across settings, share resources, and embed physical development into curriculum planning.

Why It Matters

Physical development is foundational for cognitive growth, emotional regulation, and academic readiness, especially skills like handwriting, coordination, and posture.

What we are offering

A series of three network meetings facilitated by Helen Battelley, designed to build self-belief, confidence and competence.

Network sessions will support staff well-being and nurture a deeper understanding of movement practice and its theoretical underpinnings.

Each session can be accessed as a standalone session, or join all three to deepen your knowledge, understanding, and practice in this prime area of learning and development.

About the Facilitator

Helen Battelley is an internationally renowned consultant, author, and trainer in Early Years Physical Development.

She chairs the National Early Years Active Start Partnership (NEYASP), driving positive change in policy and practice across the UK.

Helen lectures at multiple UK universities, is an AfPE-approved provider, and delivers global training on embedding movement into early years curricula.

She co-developed the Physical Activity Adventure Pack, consulted on Sky TV’s Animal Movers and Mini Me, and created Physical Phonics for the National Literacy Trust.

Helen’s work champions play and physical activity as vital foundations for every child’s development from birth.