—12 minOutdoorFree playWith other children
Base Camp Check-Ins
A simple venture-and-return routine in a new place so your toddler practises exploring, checking back for brief reassurance, then going out again.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small blanket/scarf (to mark 'base camp')
- 2–3 familiar toys (e.g., ball, car, soft toy)
- one safe 'new' thing in the space (a different toy, an interesting cup, a new texture)
Nice to have
- a comfort object (teddy/blanket)
- a small snack/drink for a reset
- a carrier/stroller for a quick calm-down if needed
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneUses familiar adult support in new situationsHeart· 8mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneExplores with caregiver as secure baseHeart· 10mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneFollows two spoken directionsMind· 16mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses familiar adult to share feelings such as excitement or pleasure, and for ‘emotional refuelling’ when feeling tired, stressed or frustrated.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Steps 1, 3
What it practices
- Uses a familiar adult as a secure base from which to explore independently in new environments, e.g. ventures away to play and interact with others, but returns for a cuddle or reassurance if becomes anxious.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Interacts with others and explores new situations when supported by familiar person.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Is wary of unfamiliar people.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct