22mo–3y10 minDevelopmental playFamily timeOutdoor
New Situation Support Steps
A parent-led mini-plan for trying something new with your child, using extra closeness, predictable language, and tiny ‘watch-try-do’ steps to build confidence in unfamiliar situations.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfort item (blanket, muslin, or soft toy)
- a small child-safe drink (water) if you’re going out
- a familiar small toy (optional ‘safe hands’ item)
Nice to have
- a photo of the new place/person (on your phone) if available
- a small snack if appropriate for your child (supervised and age-appropriate)
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
What it practices
- 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
- Clearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Drinks well without spilling.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Feeds self competently with spoon.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure that key practioners offer extra support to children in new situations.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)