Introducing Guest Author and Industry Expert: Helen Battelley

Helen Battelley is an internationally respected Early Years Physical Development consultant, trainer, author, and lecturer, known for her dynamic, motivational approach to elevating the role of physical activity in young children’s lives. As Chair of the National Early Years Active Start Partnership (NEYASP), she leads a national coalition of early years stakeholders committed to influencing policy and practice so every child benefits from high-quality physical development from birth.

Helen has played a central role in major sector initiatives, including the launch of Movement Matters (2025), the NEYASP advisory document shaping early years guidance across the UK. She is also co-creator of the Playthings Movement Cards, developed in partnership with Community Playthings, supporting educators to embed movement into daily practice for babies and young children.

Her collaborations span television, publishing, and training. In 2024 she served as Movement Consultant for the SKY TV series Awesome Animals and Mini Me, and co-developed the Physical Activity Adventure Pack (PAAP), a developmentally aligned scheme of work for early years foundation stage and nursery children.

Helen lectures across four universities on Initial Teacher Training (ITT) modules in Primary PE, Early Childhood PE Pedagogy, and Physical Development. She is an AfPE-approved provider and a Chartered Teacher, with consultancy work that spans the globe, from Malaysia and Dubai to China and Romania, supporting educators, PE leads, and organisations to embed movement-rich pedagogy into curricula and community practice.

Helen is recognised worldwide for her influential contribution to early childhood physical development and for championing a movement-first philosophy that empowers educators, families, and communities to reimagine what young children are capable of through play and physical activity.