8mo–20mo10 minFree playFamily timeDevelopmental play
Reach & Fetch Treasure Spots
A quick set-up-and-play routine where you place a few safe toys within easy reach so your child can practise reaching, fetching, and bringing toys back—supporting independent exploration and hand control.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a low basket or open container for toys
- 3–5 safe toys (varied sizes/textures)
- a clear floor space or play mat
- a sturdy low surface if needed (sofa edge or low table) for pull-up support
Nice to have
- two small containers/bowls for ‘put in’ play
- a soft scarf/cloth for ‘hide and find’
- a small towel for quick clean-up
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
- MilestonePuts object into containerBody· 9mo–12mo· core· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneRemembers where objects belong.Mind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Picks up small objects between thumb and fingers.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Holds an object in each hand and brings them together in the middle, e.g. holds two blocks and bangs them together.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Pulls to standing, holding on to furniture or person for support.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Make toys easily accessible for children to reach and fetch.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)