8mo–20mo12 minDevelopmental playFree playActive play
Cushion Course Explorer
Set up a simple, safe soft-play course with cushions and toys to encourage your child to crawl, roll, tumble (gently), and climb with close supervision and lots of encouragement.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–4 cushions or sofa pillows
- a blanket or large towel
- 2–3 favorite toys (larger than mouth; no small parts)
Nice to have
- a sturdy cardboard box (open ends for a crawl-through)
- a laundry basket as a target container
Movement level: high
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
What it practices
- Crawls, bottom shuffles or rolls continuously to move around.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Sits unsupported on the floor.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- When sitting, can lean forward to pick up small toys.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Walks around furniture lifting one foot and stepping sideways (cruising), and walks with one or both hands held by adult.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide different arrangements of toys and soft play materials to encourage crawling, tumbling, rolling and climbing.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)