Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) comprise around 5% of the population and are sometimes labelled clumsy or dyspraxic. These children have difficulty with activities such as handwriting, self-help and playing games and the condition progresses through childhood with long term effects on academic achievement, emotional and social behaviour. Without help, most children do not improve.

Most studies have been conducted with children aged 6 upwards and yet we know that if we can intervene earlier than this, the chances of success are enhanced. This project looks at children in the age range 3 to 6 years. This is a time when children develop fundamental movement skills that are the building blocks for the rest of their lives.

There are three aims to this research, first to identify in a school authority children in nursery and preschool with coordination disorders. Secondly, to examine the success of ‘low level’ intervention programmes that can be used by parents and teachers working with the children. Thirdly, from the first two aims, to produce and cascade guidelines in assessment and management for those working with the children with these disorders including practical guidelines and booklets for teachers, nursery professionals and parents.