What is Movement +
Movement+ is a school-based small-group program for students who need additional movement support.
It helps build fundamental movement skills, confidence and the movement foundations needed for learning, play and physical activity.
Designed for Preschool to Year 6, Movement+ is practical, evidence-based and easy for schools to implement.
Why Movement + was developed
Movement+ was developed in response to the growing need for schools to support students at different stages of movement development, particularly those who benefit from more structured opportunities to build confidence, coordination and foundational movement skills.
It provides a practical way for schools to use their movement assessment data to make a real difference for students who need additional support.
How it works
Movement+ is designed to be simple to implement within existing school environments:
- Delivered in small groups (typically 5–10 students)
- 20–30 minute weekly sessions
- Programs for Preschool to Year 6
- Can be delivered by teachers, PE specialists or support staff
- Uses fundamental movement skill and CAMSA assessment data to guide group selection
- Develops locomotor, object control and stability skills while strengthening the movement foundations for learning, including core strength, crossing the midline and vestibular development.
What it supports
Movement+ helps schools support:
- Fundamental movement skill development
- Movement foundations that students need to learn, including core strength, crossing the midline, vestibular development
- Confidence and engagement in physical education
- Student wellbeing and physical activity participation
Program structure
The program includes:
- A full set of structured brief, weekly sessions
- Low-equipment, easy-to-run activities
- Age-appropriate progressions from Preschool to Year 6
- Guidance for implementation in school settings
Backed by Research
Movement+ has been developed using research evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses demonstrating that structured, school-based movement interventions can:
- Improve fundamental movement skills
- Build confidence to participate in physical activity
- Support physical literacy and lifelong participation in movement
- Strengthen the movement foundations that underpin self-regulation, executive functioning and readiness to learn
Movement+ translates this research into practical action for schools. It helps identify students who need additional movement support and provides targeted intervention to build the movement foundations for confidence, participation and readiness to learn.
References:
Wick et al.. (2017). Interventions to promote fundamental movement skills in childcare and kindergarten: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports medicine, 47(10), 2045-2068.
Eddy et al. (2019). A systematic review of randomized and case‐controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of school‐based motor skill interventions in 3‐to 12‐year‐old children. Child: care, health and development, 45(6), 773-790.
Van der Fels et al.. (2015). The relationship between motor skills and cognitive skills in 4–16 year old typically developing children: A systematic review. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 18(6), 697-703.
Morgan et al. (2013). Fundamental movement skill interventions in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 132(5), e1361-e1383.
Hear how one school used Movement +
St Mary's Catholic turned Fundamental Movement Skill assessment data into meaningful action using Movement +
From assessment to action
Led by PE teacher, Sarah Muller, all students in Transition-Year 6 are assessed using KIDDO's FMS and CAMSA assessment tools. The school then uses the data to identify students who would benefit from additional movement support, beyond their weekly PE lesson.
Students identified participate in weekly small-group Movement+ sessions designed to support them in developing their Fundamental Movement Skills and their confidence to participate in PE and sport.
A simple approach that is achievable!
Movement + is delivered using dedicated inclusion time already built into the school timetable. The school runs:
- Small groups of 5-8 students
- 15-20 minute weekly sessions
- Delivered by the PE teacher initially, with Education Support staff being trained up to deliver in future
- Program focuses on skill weaknesses identified during assessment
Because sessions are short and structured, they're easy to sustain throughout the year.
"The activities are designed so every child can participate at their own level, promoting a sense of success and belonging."
Real Results for Students
Since introducing Movement +, St Mary's has seen meaningful improvements in both fundamental movement skills and student engagement in the classroom and PE.
The results
✔ 23 students participated in the program in 2025
✔ 100% improved their fundamental movement skills
✔ 56% progressed beyond the "Beginning" category within the first six months
✔ Increased confidence, motivation and enjoyment during PE
The school found that even a short weekly intervention can make a significant difference when it is targeted and consistent.
How St Mary's Made it Work
Keeping families informed
Before assessments began, St Mary's sent a letter home explaining the KIDDO program, the assessment process and how the results would be used to support student learning.
Download example parent letter >
Making Movement+ something students wanted to join
Rather than calling it an "intervention group", the school simply referred to it as KIDDO. Students loved attending their weekly sessions, and many other children asked if they could join too.
"Our students genuinely look forward to KIDDO sessions - they are enthusiastic, engaged and proud of their achievements."
Monitoring progress
Students participating in Movement+ were reassessed at the end of each term using KIDDO's assessment tools. This allowed the school to monitor progress, share progress with families and adjust support where needed.
Graduating from Movement+
Movement+ wasn't designed to be a permanent program. Once students demonstrated sufficient progress and moved beyond the Beginning category, they graduated from Movement+, creating opportunities for other students to receive targeted support.
More than Movement Skills
For St Mary's, Movement+ has become more than an intervention program.
Assessment reports are shared with families, incorporated into inclusion planning, used to inform teaching, and support communication with allied health professionals.
Movement+ has helped the school close the loop between assessment and teaching and learning, ensuring assessment data leads to meaningful action for the students who need it most.