It is important to remember your child is unique and will develop in their own way as all children develop at different rates. They are not only growing physically but learning all about the world around them.  All sorts of different things will influence and affect how your child develops and it is important to remember that no two children are the same.  

Our information is intended to provide some useful guidance around the expected ages children will achieve their development milestones.  Also highlighted are some suggestions and advice around activities that will support you to encourage the development of your child’s gross and fine motor skills as well as their communication and interaction.

What your child should be able to do

4-6 years

  • Your child will have no problems running, jumping, and hopping well on the spot
  • They will be able to skip forwards after demonstration
  • They will be able to hang from a bar for at least 5 seconds
  • Be able to step forward with leg on same side as throwing arm when throwing a ball
  • Able to catch a small ball using hands only
  • Cut along a line consistently
  • Coordinate hands to brush teeth and hair
  • Copy a circle, cross and a square
  • Write their name and using a tripod grasp (3 point grasp)
  • Use their preferred hand for most activities
  • Dress and undress independently
  • Trace on a line with control
6-7 years

  • They will now be running lightly on toes
  • Able to walk on a balance beam
  • Able to skip using a skipping rope
  • Can cover 2 metres when hopping
  • Able to demonstrate more mature throwing and catching patterns
  • Jumping skills will be becoming more mature (refined)
  • They will be able to ride a bike without stabilisers
  • Form letters and numbers correctly
  • Cut neatly around shapes
  • Be able to write for longer periods
  • Use a knife and fork for soft foods
  • Tie shoe laces
How can you help

You can find useful tips, hints and advice on ways to help support your child’s gross and fine motor skills via the links below, remember lots of encouragement and over practice of the skills they find most difficult will help your child to improve. Also encouraging them to join sports clubs and teams will be a fun way to help them get stronger and improve their physical skills.

When to seek support

  • If you child’s gross motor skills are deteriorating or if they are losing physical skills completely, that they could previously do
  • If your child if struggling to get up from the floor
  • Clumsiness
  • If your child is struggling to keep up with their peers in PE lessons
  • If you child is struggling to hop, jump and skip
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