Movement Assessment Tool

The Start to Move Movement Assessment Tool (MAT) is an app based assessment tool that enables Primary school teachers to measure, record and track the fundamental movement skills of children aged 4-7 years old.

Supported by research conducted by Sheffield Hallam University and funded by the Youth Sport Trust, the assessment has been developed with Primary school teachers and international experts in children’s movement development.

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What are the features of MAT?

- 14 movement tasks grouped within stability, object control and locomotor skills.
- Video demonstrations and instructions for each movement task are incorporated within the app
- Score each child in your class using a developmental stage approach. This will reveal if they are at an acquiring, developing or established level in each task.
- Scoring process is guided by video examples and written criteria.
- Tasks become progressively more difficult within the assessment.
- Video recording within the app allows children’s performance to be captured and evidenced.
- Assessment content is appropriate for the PE curriculum at EYFS and Key Stage 1.

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What are the benefits of MAT?

- Assesses and records the fundamental movement skills competence of children aged 4-7 years old.
- Enhances assessment opportunities within PE and supports Assessment for Learning.
- Informs Assessment of Learning and can be used to assess at the end of a scheme of learning, term, year, etc.
- Supports teachers’ confidence and understanding in assessing and developing children’s fundamental movement skills.
- Creates a supportive learning environment for children to develop fundamental movement skills.

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Importance of fundamental movement skills

- Fundamental movement skills are the building blocks that allow children to take part in a wide variety of sports in childhood and as they get older.
- Involving Primary school teachers in the process of assessing fundamental movement skills, will enhance children’s learning and acquisition of fundamental movement skills.
- The period of 4-7 years old is a crucial time for children to develop these skills.
- The more competent children become in performing fundamental movement skills, the more likely they are to be physically active, have improved levels of health-related fitness and reduced risk of obesity.

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How has MAT been developed?

- Three year research project led by researchers from Sheffield Hallam University.
- Developed with Primary school teachers for Primary school teachers.
- The assessment content and format has been informed by international experts of children’s movement development.

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Who is the MAT for?

- Class teachers and PE subject co-ordinators in Primary school
- School based sport coaches and sports partnerships
- Multi-skills and sport-specific coaches
- Parents