Empowering Children Through Exercise
The Importance Of
Physical Activity
Exercise offers more than just physical benefits for children. It can also help them manage daily challenges, improving mood, focus, sleep, and stress levels.
Regular activity also boosts academic performance and nurtures social skills, building confidence and connections with others.
Participation Challenges
Physical education is a mandatory part of the National Curriculum at all key stages, yet many children face challenges in traditional P.E. settings, missing out on crucial physical, emotional, and neurodevelopmental growth opportunities.
We’re here to change that!
Neurodiverse and SEMH Friendly
Our programmes are designed to be SEND and SEMH friendly, offering a supportive environment where every child can thrive.
We focus on building confidence, improving motor skills, and supporting emotional well-being, helping children navigate challenges and reach their full potential.
How We Can Help
Our tailored 1-2-1 programs support schools, providers and caregivers in meeting government guidelines, ensuring children who struggle with regular P.E. still receive a high-quality physical education.
Through physical literacy, we empower children with key skills and strategies, helping them tackle daily challenges and unlock healthy, active futures.
Our Programmes
ENGAGE +
EVOLVE
Building trust and sparking engagement as a foundation for future participation in a physical activity programme.
CHILD LED ✓
LOW DEMAND ✓
AGE 6+ ✓
BUILDING
BLOCKS
Promoting physical literacy and exercise participation to support self-regulation outcomes and general well-being.
FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS ✓
ADAPTABLE ✓
AGE 6+ ✓
TEENAGE
LIFTS
Building gym and life confidence in a safe environment while fostering communication skills and a healthy lifestyle.
FITNESS ✓
LIFE SKILLS ✓
AGE 14+ ✓
The Benefits of Exercise: ADHD
How Exercise Can Help
Physical activity can offer valuable support for children with ADHD, helping to enhance attention, executive function, and motor skills.
Even a single session of exercise can boost cognitive function, while long-term benefits may include better sleep, reduced impulsivity, decreased challenging behaviours, and improved academic performance.
Our Framework
Our approach to programming physical activity for ADHD respects current research and best practice in the following ways:
Our approach involves moderate to high-intensity exercise, adjusted to suit each child's needs.
We use interval training to support patience, persistence, and motivation.
Games are integrated to boost motivation and participation.
Perceptual-motor training enhances coordination between the sensory and motor systems.
We regularly offer affirmations and positive encouragement.
Children are gently guided to reflect on the positive experiences to foster self-awareness.
Most importantly, our activities are always fun!
REFERENCES
Effects of physical exercise on attention deficit and other major symptoms in children with ADHD: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2022.
Preventive interventions for ADHD: a neurodevelopmental perspective. Neurotherapeutics. 2012;9:531–541.
The effects of physical exercise on cognition and behaviour in children and adults with ADHD: a systematic literature review. J Neural Transm. 2017;124:3–26.
The Benefits of Exercise: Autism
How Exercise Can Help
Studies indicate that vigorous physical activity can support autistic children by helping to reduce hyperactivity, aggression, and repetitive behaviours.
Long-term benefits may also include greater social engagement, expanded communication skills, healthier BMI, enhanced motor control, and increased parent perceived well-being.
Our Framework
Our approach to programming physical activity for autistic children respects current research and best practice in the following ways:
Our planning is individualised to meet each child's unique needs.
1-to-1 programming is provided to create a focused environment, support emotional regulation, and prevent potential conflicts.
Where appropriate, we explore group activities to encourage social engagement.
Parental involvement is welcomed when appropriate to enhance outcomes.
Cognitive and coordination elements are integrated to support the development of executive functions.
Activities can be predictable and sequenced, with flexibility to adapt as needed.
We use visual session plans and encourage self-reflection.
REFERENCES
Exercise Effects for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Metabolic Health, Autistic Traits, and Quality of Life. Percept Mot Skills. 2018
Beneficial Use and Potential Effectiveness of Physical Activity in Managing Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci. 2020
Introduction to Physical Literacy
What is Physical Literacy?
Physical literacy is the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity and well-being. It consists of four key domains: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social.
The Four Domains
Physical: Involves developing fundamental movement skills (e.g., running, jumping). Essential for participating in various activities and maintaining health.
Cognitive: Focuses on understanding how and why movements are performed, including rules and strategies. Helps in making informed decisions during activities.
Emotional: Centres on confidence, motivation, and resilience. Encourages a positive attitude and willingness to try new challenges.
Social: Involves cooperation and communication in group activities. Promotes teamwork and builds interpersonal relationships.
Our Approach
For children, physical literacy is crucial for healthy development and fosters lifelong physical activity. At Motion Potential, we map the needs of each child and emphasize the physical literacy domains most important to them. This personalized approach ensures they gain the skills, confidence, and social connections necessary for a healthy, active life.