What are Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)
FMS are the building blocks of movement — basic locomotor (run, jump, hop), object-control (throw, catch, kick) and stability/balance skills (balance, twisting, static poses). Think of them like phonics for movement: if children don’t master these, more complex sport skills and confident lifelong activity are harder to learn.
Why teach FMS first
- Motor competence predicts physical activity down the line. Children with stronger FMS engage in more physical activity as they grow — a developmental relationship supported by a widely-cited conceptual model. Taylor & Francis Online
- FMS interventions work. Structured teaching and targeted programmes improve children’s skill levels and, in many studies, increase activity and confidence. That means time invested in FMS pays off. ScienceDirect
- National curriculum & subject reviews support it. Recent PE subject reviews and guidance emphasise physical literacy and FMS as central to high-quality primary provision. GOV.UK+1
- Assessment and implementation are feasible in schools. Research and guidance exist to help you assess FMS and build school-wide programmes without overburdening teachers. PMC
(References and further reading are linked at the end of this post.)
Deeper dive — what the evidence says
- Stodden et al. (2008) propose that motor competence is a key mechanism leading to higher physical activity and improved health trajectories in childhood and adolescence. Early FMS development is therefore preventative as well as educational. Taylor & Francis Online
- Systematic reviews (recent) show interventions targeted at early FMS produce measurable gains in skill proficiency and can boost moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the early years. Regular, focused practice matters. ScienceDirect+1
- National reviews of PE (England) highlight that consistent, progressive FMS teaching and at least two hours of quality PE across the week support equitable access to PESSPA (PE, school sport and physical activity). GOV.UK+1
How FMS benefits your pupils (classroom-friendly framing)
- Confidence & competence: Success with basic skills creates “I can” experiences that boost pupils’ willingness to try new activities.
- Transfer to curriculum outcomes: Better FMS → easier to teach invasion games, gymnastics and athletics skills later on.
- Physical and cognitive gains: Movement supports attention, spatial awareness and social skills (turn-taking, rules).
- Equity: Explicit FMS teaching narrows gaps so less-active or less-experienced children get the foundations they need.
Assessment: simple, quick and useful
- Use a brief checklist or rubric for each FMS (can be as short as 3-5 observable criteria per skill). Observe during practice rather than in a formal test.
- Consider a school screening once a term to identify children who need targeted support. There are validated tools and guidance for classroom assessment. PMC
- Both these simple practices can be utilised within the PE Passport and our unique FMS skills tracker. PE Passport
Best practices for teachers (keep it realistic)
- Teach deliberately: break skills into teachable chunks and practise intentionally (not just play).
- Progressive challenge: change task constraints (space, equipment, rules) before moving to new skills.
- Differentiate: provide choice of difficulty and equipment; pair pupils strategically.
- Embed across the day: short FMS boosters in playtimes and classroom bursts (5 minutes) help retention.
- Involve parents: simple home activities extend practice and build a culture of movement.
Whole-school approach ideas
- Create a FMS progression map (EYFS → Year 6) so every teacher knows prior learning and next steps.
- Train non-specialist staff with 1–2 focused CPD sessions on delivering FMS sessions.
- Link PE lessons with playground leaders and after-school clubs to reinforce skills.
Useful resources & research
- Stodden, D. F. et al. — A Developmental Perspective on the Role of Motor Skill Competence in Physical Activity (seminal model). Taylor & Francis Online
- Barnett, L. M. — Fundamental Movement Skills: An Important Focus (review of FMS as pedagogical focus). Human Kinetics Journals
- Systematic reviews on FMS interventions (effectiveness and implementation). ScienceDirect+1
- UK Government research review series: Physical Education (useful for curriculum design and whole-school policy). GOV.UK
- Practical guidance and resources from the Association for Physical Education (afPE) — curriculum guidance and Early Years screening ideas. afpe.org.uk+1
Quick takeaway for Monday morning
Start your next block of lessons with a one-skill focus: choose one FMS, plan 15–20 minutes of scaffolded practice + a simple transfer game, and use a 3-point checklist to notice progress. Small, regular, high-quality practice of FMS builds skill, confidence and active futures.