16mo–2.2y12 minOutdoorActive playFree play
Push-and-Park Wheeled Toy Path
A safe wheeled-toy ‘path adventure’ indoors or outdoors where your child pushes/pulls and parks a wheeled toy, adds loading/unloading and a simple kick moment, and (optionally) tries a low ‘cushion hill’ to build climbing confidence with close supervision.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one wheeled toy (push cart, doll buggy, ride-on, or a sturdy box on wheels if available)
- a clear safe route (indoors hallway or outdoor path) with hazards removed
- 3–6 ‘cargo’ items to load (soft toys, socks, lightweight plastic items)
Nice to have
- masking tape/chalk to mark 2 ‘parking spots’
- a large soft ball (for a kick-to-open moment)
- 2 cushions to make a tiny ‘hill’ or a low, stable step (very close supervision)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 5-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· core
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneRuns smoothly without fallingBody· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneKicks a ball forwardBody· 2.2y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneClimbs onto furniture with helpBody· 15mo–2.5y· stretch· Step 5
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
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
- “Provide a range of wheeled toys indoors and outdoors, such as trundle trikes, buggies for dolls, push carts.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)