BLOGS

Why 3 Hours of Daily Physical Activity Matters in Pre-School Settings

The reality is that most pre-school children are not active enough

For children aged 3–4 years, the recommended level of physical activity is 3 hours per day, including at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).* This is not a bonus target. It is a baseline linked to healthy growth, development, and wellbeing. Yet evidence suggests that many children are not reaching anywhere near this level

For nurseries and pre-schools across the UK, outdoor play is often recognised as “important”—but research shows the scale of what children actually need each day is still widely underestimated

THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM

Research from the University of Bristol found a significant gap between guidance and real-world behaviour in early years children:

  • Only 23% of 2–4-year-olds met the recommended 3 hours of daily physical activity.
  • Just 2.4% achieved the 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity target.

This highlights a clear question for nursery provision: even where outdoor spaces exist, are they always being used in ways that maximise movement?

INEQUALITY STARTS EARLY

It is also important to recognise that physical activity levels are not evenly distributed across society

Data from the Sport England Active Lives Children and Young People Survey shows that:

  • Children living in areas of higher social deprivation are consistently less likely to meet daily physical activity guidelines than those in more affluent areas.

This has significant implications for nurseries and pre-schools serving disadvantaged communities, where access to high-quality movement opportunities may have an even greater impact on long-term outcomes.

WHY OUTDOOR PROVISION IS NOT JUST ABOUT SPACE

Access to outdoor space alone does not guarantee active play.

The quality of the outdoor environment plays a crucial role in whether children are:

  • Moving freely and frequently
  • Engaged in sustained physical activity
  • Exploring risk in safe, managed ways
  • Developing coordination, balance, and strength
  • Socialising and problem-solving through play

A well-designed outdoor space becomes an extension of the classroom—supporting learning across all areas of development.

THE IMPACT OF HIGH-QUALITY OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

When outdoor provision is intentional and well-designed, it supports holistic development:

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Children build gross motor skills, coordination, strength, and spatial awareness through climbing, running, balancing, digging, and movement-based play. 

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Outdoor environments encourage curiosity, experimentation, problem-solving, and creativity. 

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Children learn cooperation, turn-taking, communication, independence, and confidence through shared and independent play experiences. 

WELLBEING

Regular outdoor activity supports emotional regulation, resilience, and overall wellbeing.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR NURSERIES AND PRE-SCHOOLS

For early years leaders and practitioners, the evidence points clearly to one conclusion:

  • Outdoor provision must be planned with the same intent and importance as indoor learning environments.

Key considerations include:

  • Is the outdoor space promoting sustained movement?
  • Are children naturally drawn into active play?
  • Does the environment encourage risk, challenge, and exploration?
  • Are opportunities inclusive for all abilities and backgrounds?
  • Is outdoor learning embedded into daily practice, not treated as optional?

CLOSING THE GAP THROUGH BETTER OUTDOOR DESIGN

The School Playground Company work with nurseries and pre-schools to create outdoor environments that actively encourage movement, exploration, and learning every day.

Our aim is to help settings design outdoor spaces where children naturally achieve the activity levels they need to thrive—regardless of background or starting point.

If your setting is looking to enhance its outdoor provision, now is the time to consider not just what space you have—but how effectively it is supporting children’s development through movement.

*Source: National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine / World Health Organisation

The School Outdoor Play Company can support you in designing spaces that maximise physical activity, learning, and wellbeing. 

Get in touch to explore how we can help you create an outdoor setting where every child has the opportunity to move, play, and thrive.