A recent YouGov survey for art education provider Art-K reveals that 77% of primary school teachers have observed a decline in pupils’ fine motor skills over the past five years. Teachers cited challenges such as pupils struggling to hold pencils correctly or use scissors with confidence. This decline is not only a physical concern but a developmental one- closely tied to the diminishing presence of creative, hands-on activities in the classroom.
The findings point to a wider issue: the marginalisation of art and creative subjects due to a tightly packed national curriculum. With the pressure to prioritise core subjects and cover dense timetables, lessons involving art, craft, and design are often the first to be squeezed out. Time-consuming but vital elements- like children cutting, assembling, or preparing materials themselves- are often seen as luxuries rather than integral parts of the learning process. Yet it is precisely these activities that nurture dexterity, perseverance, and cognitive flexibility.
Creativity is not an ‘add-on’; it is a foundation for mental well-being, emotional expression, and holistic growth. In fact, 81% of teachers surveyed believe that more art education would have a positive impact on pupil well-being, and 71% agree that it supports development in areas such as handwriting and problem-solving.
I must agree wholeheartedly: hands-on, curiosity-driven experiences are key to developing life-long transferable skills. Whether at school or at home, engaging children in tactile, open-ended projects- like participating in Maker Futures/Education initiatives and building with Lego, or expressing themselves through art- equips them with the resilience, problem-solving abilities, and patience needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
When children are given time and space to explore creatively, they don't just develop fine motor skills- they learn to think critically, manage frustration, and take pride in their own progress. These are the hallmarks of self-actualisation and essential to raising capable, confident, and well-rounded adults.
Art-K, You Gov Poll 2025 in TES, May 2025
Most primary teachers report declining fine motor skills | Tes