Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs are increasingly recognised within primary education. Many children struggle with emotional regulation, confidence, communication and resilience.

Outdoor movement activities can play an important role in supporting these needs.

KS1 Movement Skills Helps Children Regulate Emotions

Physical activity helps children release energy and regulate their emotions. When children run, jump, balance, and move their bodies, they activate brain systems that support calmness, focus, and emotional control.

Outdoor PE games allow children to express themselves physically while following structured rules and routines. This can be particularly beneficial for pupils who struggle to sit still or maintain attention indoors. Our PE Fundamental Skills pack is a great example of active lessons at work!

Cooperative Games Build Social Skills

Many movement games involve working with partners or teams. These experiences help children practise:

• turn-taking
• listening
• communication
• cooperation

Children learn how to support each other and celebrate shared successes rather than focusing purely on competition.

For pupils who struggle with social interaction, these activities can provide a safe and positive environment to develop relationships with their peers.

Outdoor Environments Reduce Stress

Being outside naturally supports emotional wellbeing. Outdoor spaces often feel less restrictive than indoor classrooms and allow children to move more freely.

Fresh air, open space and natural surroundings can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. For many children, especially those with SEMH needs, outdoor learning environments feel more relaxed and accessible.

Why Movement Skills Matter in KS1

Fundamental movement skills are the building blocks of physical development.

These include:

• running
• jumping
• balancing
• throwing
• catching
• coordination

Developing these skills in KS1 helps children build confidence in their physical abilities and our cooperation with others packs prepares them for more complex sports and activities in later years.

Movement Supports Brain Development

Movement is closely linked to cognitive development. When children move their bodies, the brain is actively strengthening connections between physical coordination and thinking skills.

This supports:

• concentration
• memory
• problem-solving
• spatial awareness
• In other words, developing movement skills is not just about physical fitness — it also supports learning across the curriculum.

Confidence in Movement Builds Participation

Children who feel confident in their movement skills are more likely to take part in physical activities and sports as they grow older.

If these skills are not developed early, some pupils may become hesitant to participate in PE or active play.

By building movement confidence in KS1, teachers help children develop positive attitudes towards physical activity for life.

Why Outdoor PE Can Be More Powerful Than Indoor Lessons

While indoor PE lessons certainly have value, outdoor learning offers additional benefits that support both physical development and wellbeing.

Outdoor Spaces Allow for Bigger Movement

Playgrounds, fields and outdoor learning spaces provide more room for children to run, jump and explore.

This allows teachers to create dynamic movement games that are difficult to replicate in smaller indoor halls.

Children can practise skills such as sprinting, jumping long distances and navigating obstacle courses more naturally in outdoor spaces.

Outdoor Learning Engages Different Learners

Some children learn best through movement and hands-on experiences rather than sitting and listening.

Outdoor PE lessons allow pupils to:

• explore
• experiment
• move freely
• learn through doing

For many children, this type of learning feels more natural and enjoyable.

Outdoor Learning Builds Resilience and Confidence

Outdoor environments encourage children to take small risks, solve problems and adapt to different challenges.

For example, children may need to balance on uneven ground, adjust their movements in windy weather or work together to complete a team challenge.

These experiences help build resilience, independence and confidence.

Supporting the Whole Child Through Movement

When schools prioritise outdoor movement activities, they support more than just physical fitness.

They help children develop:

• emotional regulation
• confidence
• teamwork skills
• resilience
• focus and engagement

Outdoor PE games and movement challenges provide opportunities for children to grow physically, socially and emotionally.