Nursery children at one of the county's schools have been given a head start in their physical development, by taking their first gymnastics lesson.

Nursery pupils at Langley Preparatory School have enjoyed their first gymnastics lesson, with the school's head of sport, with lessons set to continue across the school year, helping the children to develop skills such as body control and co-ordination.

Children were given the opportunity to make use of the school's apparatus, testing their balance and spacial awareness by travelling between the different sections.

Head of sport Marie Hood and nursery supervisor Ruth Belson said: 'It was a pleasure to teach the nursery children some gymnastics and see them come alive using their bodies in many different ways and whilst using apparatus.

'It is key to their physical development to challenge our younger pupils in different sporting environments; in a short time we saw the children advance in confidence when climbing, swinging, balancing, jumping and travelling.

'The fundamental skills of gymnastics can be taught at different levels as pupils move through the school; however, at this early stage of their development we are delighted to provide our nursery pupils with these carefully tailored experiences.

'They are able to use opportunities of this nature to discover more about their bodies as well learn about their own capabilities.'

The pair added: 'This experience also provided the children with the opportunity to develop their self-care skills.

'In preparation for the session the children were encouraged to remove their shoes and socks independently and to replace them afterwards. Several children did not need any help at all.'

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