Active Start

Active Start is a programme of training and resources for staff who work with children aged 2 to 5, to support them to integrate physical activity and movement into all areas of the EYFS to support children’s physical and holistic development. 

It was created to inspire and increase activity levels in the early years through physical activity and active play, helping children to be healthy, learn and be active for life.

Active Start develops the ability to learn how to support a child’s physical development, help them to develop a wide movement vocabulary and be inspired to deliver creative and progressive active play and movement sessions to underpin children’s development and learning including how physical activity impacts on all developmental areas and supports learning during the essential early years.  

The course is suitable for people who work with children aged 2 to 5 in Early Years settings or schools in Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.

This includes teachers, TAs, nursery managers, nursery practitioners, childminders or other similar roles.  

We have had staff from VCSE and community organisations attend previously who run sessions with children across multiple settings who have also found the training extremely valuable.  


“We attended Active Start training in the October and straight away implemented  four movement sessions each day, using the Active Start resources to support these.”

Learning outcomes: 

  • Understand the importance of physical activity and physical development during the early years.  

  • Understand how to plan and deliver all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through physical activity and movement. 

  • Have the confidence and skills to support a child’s development through physical activity and active play. 

  • Be equipped to support and encourage parents and carers to become more active and connected with their children. 

  • Have a good understanding of the early years physical activity guidelines and the importance of physical literacy. 

Our training offer:  

  • 4 hours of practical training course  

  • Resource pack to take to support delivery back in your school or setting 

  • All content is fully aligned to the EYFS 

  • Places are limited to two practitioners per setting

We asked previous attendees of the course what they thought Active Start:  

96% reported an increased knowledge of the CMO guidelines relating to physical activity 

100% reported an increased understanding of how to incorporate physical activity into the delivery of the EYFS  

100% reported an increased understanding of the wider impact of increased physical activity for children 

98% reported an increased confidence in supporting children’s physical activity and active play  

98% reported an increased inspiration and motivation to improve the children’s physical activity and play. 

100% reported an increased skills and knowledge in supporting children’s physical activity and play 

On average, they scored the course 9.8/10 

"When we baselined at the start of Reception, only 31% of the children were at expected levels for physical development. This meant they were struggling with basic tasks such as carrying their lunch trays or putting on their coats. It really affected their play and learning and we had lots of first aid incidents as they lacked spatial awareness and control of their bodies. By January we now have 70% of children working at expected levels for Physical  Development. We are really looking forward to seeing how this supports their  writing moving forwards too."

- North Fawdon Primary School  

The course costs £30 per person, which includes the training session and resources. All upcoming training sessions can be viewed below:

  • Monday 8th July 2024 | Richardson Dees Park Boules Clubhouse, Wallsend | 12:30 - 16:30 | Please click here for more information and to book a place.

  • Wednesday 16th October 2024 | Blyth West Family Hub, Devonworth Place, Blyth | 12:30 - 16:30 | Please click here for more information and to book a place.

If you are from a school or setting in Sunderland please click here to find out about FREE sessions funded by Sunderland Council near you.


Active Start is an early years programme developed by Active Cumbria and delivered in partnership with Rise.