Huff n Puff Kids helps young children build the fundamental movement skills, confidence and coordination they need for everyday life, while creating a pathway into Tiny Tots at local Little Athletics Clubs and fostering a lifelong love of movement and athletics.
Program Overview
Huff n Puff Kids (HNP):
- Preschool-based, play-focused physical literacy program
- Develops fundamental movement skills (running, jumping, throwing) through fun, imaginative games
- Builds confidence, social skills, and early engagement in sport
- HNP participants can be introduced to Tiny Tots at their local LASA affiliated club.
- Qualified external instructors delivering a structured, consistent program across multiple weeks at early learning centres.
For Educators
What is Huff n Puff Kids?
Huff n Puff Kids is developed by Little Athletics SA. It is a fun, play-based physical activity initiative designed specifically for preschool-aged children.
The program aims to improve the physical literacy of 3–5-year-olds in preschool settings across South Australia. Through engaging, developmentally appropriate games and activities, children build fundamental movement skills and overall fitness in a safe and inclusive environment where success, enjoyment, individual progression, and ‘huffing and puffing’ are the key outcomes.
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) National Report 2024 highlights the importance of early intervention, identifying that:
- Nearly one in four South Australian children start school with some form of developmental vulnerability.
- 10.0% of children are developmentally vulnerable in the Physical Health and Wellbeing domain (an increase since 2021).
- 10.7% of children are vulnerable in the Social Competence domain.
Through the program’s theory of change, structured play-based movement sessions are delivered weekly to support the development of fundamental movement skills (FMS), it enhances brain development, concentration, emotional well-being while fostering social skills like teamwork and sharing. Learning is enhanced. Activity also reduces anxiety and stress while sleep is restorative. Appropriate activity at this age develops lifelong healthy habits.
| Short- Term Outcomes | Medium-TermOutcomes | Long-Term Outcomes |
| Improved balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. Increased confidence in movement. Greater participation in group activities | Improved AEDC Physical Health and Wellbeing indicators. Enhanced social competence through structured play. Increased school readiness. | Reduced developmental vulnerability. Increased retention in community sport. Establishment of lifelong physical activity habits. |
How will Huff n Puff Kids Operate?
Number of sessions: One session per week for 8+ weeks per term, with flexibility to adapt to individual preschool timetables.
Number of Participants: 12 per session. If space permits 2 sessions may run concurrently catering for 24 children.
Duration: Each session runs for 30–45 minutes, depending on the number of participants, their age and the size learning environment.
Content: Sessions focus on developing fundamental movement skills through fun, imaginative games and activities that are inclusive and non-competitive, challenging learners to work hard and ‘huff and puff’!
Equipment: Trained Development Officers will bring all the equipment needed and set up prior to the commencement of the session.
Who Delivers the Program
- Sessions are led by trained Development Officers, employed and overseen by Little Athletics SA. Many of these officers are experienced, retired educators who bring their expertise and passion for working with children into the program.
- Educators within the ECEC service are to engage in every session to observe, support and reinforce skills, ensuring sustainability and integration into everyday preschool routines. Their support of students with special needs is particularly important and appreciated.
implementing the Program in Your Centre
- A dedicated Program Coordinator supports scheduling, compliance, risk management, and ongoing delivery.
- Session plans and progress tracking tools are provided to ensure consistent skill development beyond facilitated sessions.
- Review meetings (as needed) support collaboration between preschool staff and Little Athletics presenters.
Logistics and Safety
- Sessions are delivered in safe indoor or outdoor preschool spaces, with all equipment provided and set up by Little Athletics presenters.
- Presenters manage risk, with onsite staff able to assist in ensuring a safe learning environment.
For Parents
What is Huff n Puff Kids?
‘Huff n Puff’ is a fun, play-based physical activity program designed for preschool-aged children.
During the preschool day, children take part in engaging movement sessions alongside their educators in the familiar environment of their preschool. The program focuses on helping children build important skills through active play, games, and positive group experiences.
What Children Learn
Through fun and structured activities, children will:
- Develop fundamental movement skills
- Iimproved balance, coordination, and gross motor skills
- Help build confidence, social skills in a supportive and inclusive environment
- Increased school readiness
- Greater participation in group activities
Huff n Puff Kids Graduates
Once your child has completed Huff n Puff, they can graduate into Tiny Tots, a program that continues to develop their fundamental movement skills, as well as their physical, social, and emotional growth. Tiny Tots takes place at a local Little Athletics club, giving children the chance to make new friends and engage in a fun, club-based environment.
You can register for three free “come and try” sessions at a club before committing fully. To find out more and locate your nearest Little Athletics club,
Click Here:
Huff n Puff Kids Ambassador Jess Stenson
“As a mum and an athlete, I know how important it is for children to develop confidence through movement from an early age. Little Athletics Huff n Puff Kids brings fun, inclusive physical activity directly into preschools, kindergartens and early-learning centres, where children feel comfortable and supported. It helps children build fundamental movement skills while learning to play with others, take turns and have a go. I’m proud to support a program that gives children a strong start and helps create a lifelong love of being active” – Jess Stenson
Heart Foundation Statement of Support for Huff n Puff Kids
The Heart Foundation is pleased to provide this letter of support for Little Athletics South Australia’s Huff n Puff Kids program, an innovative initiative that promotes physical activity and positive movement behaviours among children aged 3-5 years. The program is designed to build fundamental movement skills through structured, play-based experiences in preschool settings and create pathways for children and families to remain engaged in regular physical activity through community sport. The Heart Foundation strongly supports initiatives that encourage children to be active from an early age. Establishing healthy movement habits during the early years is critical to supporting lifelong cardiovascular health and wellbeing. Huff n Puff Kids aligns closely with our prevention focus by helping children develop confidence, enjoyment and competence in physical activity to support development of lifelong healthy habits.
We are particularly encouraged by the program’s focus on:
- Developing physical literacy through fun, structured and inclusive movement experiences;
- Supporting educators with practical resources that reinforce healthy behaviours;
- Engaging families to encourage active play beyond the preschool environment; and
- Creating pathways into ongoing participation in community sport and physical activity.
The Heart Foundation recognises the potential of Huff n Puff Kids to support healthier, more active communities and acknowledges its strong alignment with cardiovascular disease prevention and healthy lifestyle. We commend Little Athletics South Australia for their leadership and commitment to encouraging active lifestyles among young children and their families. We wish them every success as they continue to expand and promote the Huff n Puff Kids program across South Australia.
