16mo–2.2y12 minOutdoorActive playFree play
Indoor–Outdoor Explorer Loops
A simple ‘free flow’ routine where your child moves freely between indoors and outdoors along a safe route, carrying and delivering small items—building confidence with transitions, surfaces, and energetic movement.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe, supervised route between indoors and outdoors (doorway/gate area cleared)
- 2 ‘stations’ (one inside, one outside) marked with a cushion, bucket, or towel
- 3–6 safe carry items (soft toy, empty plastic cup, large ball, or rolled socks)
Nice to have
- chalk or masking tape to mark a ‘stop line’ at the doorway
- a small basket for carrying
- a drink of water for quick breaks
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
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Heart· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· core
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- 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
- Runs safely on whole foot.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Squats with steadiness to rest or play with object on the ground, and rises to feet without using hands.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Climbs confidently and is beginning to pull themselves up on nursery play climbing equipment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can kick a large ball.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
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)