16mo–2.2y8 minMealtimeFamily timeSelf-care
Feet Firm Table Time
A practical mealtime setup check where you helps your child feel stable (feet supported) so hands can focus on eating and drinking with better control and less spilling.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your child’s usual mealtime chair/high chair
- a stable foot support if needed (stool, sturdy box, or thick book wrapped in a towel)
- a small cup with water
Nice to have
- a non-slip mat or towel under the chair/footrest
- a wipe/cloth for spills
- a few small bite-size snack pieces (soft fruit or toast)
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
- MilestoneDrinks well without spillingBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneHolds and drinks from a cupBody· 15mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneFeeds self with fingersBody· 11mo–16mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneFeeds self with spoonBody· 12mo–2.1y· core
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSingle channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure mealtime seating allows young children to have feet firmly on the floor or foot rest. This aids stability and upper trunk control supporting hand-to-mouth co-ordination.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)