22mo–3y10 minFamily timeSelf-careChore time
Next-Time Plan: Choose One Small Step
Use what you noticed today to plan one tiny next-step activity for your child tomorrow, focusing on everyday self-care (eating, drinking, toileting, dressing, and safety).
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and pen (or notes app on a phone)
- a small everyday item for tomorrow’s mini-goal (choose one: spoon/cup, potty/toilet routine, hat/zip-up jacket, or a safe ‘stop line’ marker like a scarf)
Nice to have
- stickers (or simple drawn stars) for marking the plan
- a timer (phone) for 1-minute practice
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
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneDrinks well without spillingBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneHelps manage clothingBody· 21mo–3y· stretch
- MilestonePuts on clothes with limited helpBody· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 3
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
- Helps with clothing, e.g. puts on hat, unzips zipper on jacket, takes off unbuttoned shirt.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to recognise danger and seeks support of significant adults for help.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Build on this to plan future activities and experiences for each child.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)