22mo–3y10 minOutdoorActive playFamily time
Safe Steps: Outdoor Danger Spotting
A short, playful outdoor (or doorway) game to help your child practise stopping, noticing ‘danger moments’, and seeking adult support for safety.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe outdoor space (garden/path) or a clear hallway/doorway
- a scarf, string, or strip of tape to make a ‘STOP line’
- a small toy (car/animal) to use in the game
Nice to have
- chalk (if outdoors)
- a hat or coat (if needed for weather)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSeeks help when danger is uncertainHeart· 14mo–3.7y· core
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· core· Steps 1, 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneFollows linked routine actionsMind· 18mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows two spoken directionsMind· 16mo–2.3y· core· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Remember that children who have limited opportunity to play outdoors may lack a sense of danger.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)