22mo–3y12 minMealtimeChore timeFamily time
Little Chef Prep Time
A hands-on food-prep routine where you involves your child in safe, simple kitchen jobs (washing, tearing, stirring, scooping, pouring), building independence, communication of needs, and confidence with everyday routines.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a low, safe work surface or table space
- a bowl and spoon (child-safe)
- one simple food to prepare (e.g., banana, soft berries, bread, yogurt, grated cheese)
- a child-safe cup for water
Nice to have
- a damp cloth for wiping hands/table
- an apron or old t-shirt for mess (optional)
- a small pitcher or small container for pouring water (supervised)
Movement level: low
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· core
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestonePours or serves food or drink with supervisionBody· 3y–5y· stretch· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneDrinks well without spillingBody· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneMatches words in routinesMind· 15mo–2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Feeds self competently with spoon.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Drinks well without spilling.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Clearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to recognise danger and seeks support of significant adults for help.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Helps with clothing, e.g. puts on hat, unzips zipper on jacket, takes off unbuttoned shirt.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Involve young children in preparing food.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)