16mo–2.2y12 minOutdoorFree playChore time
In-Out Delivery Trail: Free-Flow Moving & Hands
A free-flow indoor/outdoor routine where your child moves between spaces with purpose (carry, collect, return) and pauses for short fine-motor moments (pouring/watering, page turning) to balance movement and hand skill.
What you'll need
Essentials
- safe access between indoors and outdoors (doorway supervised)
- a small basket/bucket/container to carry
- 3–6 larger safe objects to carry (soft toys, cloths, big blocks)
- a child-safe cup/jug or small watering can (for supervised pouring/watering)
- towel for spills
- one sturdy board book (for the indoor return)
Nice to have
- chalk (if outdoors surface allows) OR a cloth to ‘wipe’ a small area
- a simple ‘stop’ marker (tape line or a scarf placed on the floor) to define the boundary
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
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneExplores with caregiver as secure baseHeart· 10mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneActs from knowledge of propertiesMind· 16mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneIndependent page turningBody· 10mo–22mo· core
- MilestoneLooks at books with a familiar personMind· 10mo–2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneStacks two blocksBody· 14mo–18mo· stretch
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core
- MilestonePalmar grasp on writing toolBody· 10mo–22mo· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Give as much opportunity as possible for children to move freely between indoors and outdoors.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)