0mo–11mo10 minFamily timeQuiet timeMealtime
Cue-Led One-to-One Time
A calm, cue-led 10-minute one-to-one interaction that starts only when the baby is alert and receptive, supporting connection, turn-taking, and trust.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable place to sit (chair, sofa, or floor cushion)
Nice to have
- a soft cloth or muslin
- a simple baby-safe rattle or crinkly item
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· stretch
- MilestoneImitates facial movementsMind· 4mo–8mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· core
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· core
What it practices
- Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Gazes at faces and copies facial movements. e.g. sticking out tongue, opening mouth and widening eyes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan to have one-to-one time to interact with young babies when they are in an alert and responsive state and willing to engage.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)