16mo–2.2y8 minFamily timeFree playDevelopmental play
Safe Tech Peek
A short, talk-rich exploration of everyday ICT objects where your child learns what they do, how to use them with a grown-up, and how to handle them safely.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a remote control with the battery cover secured
- a torch/flashlight
- a small basket or box for 'where it belongs'
Nice to have
- an old unplugged keyboard or calculator
- a simple wind-up toy or pull-back car
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
- MilestoneActivates buttons and switchesBody· 2y–2.5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneShows interest in toys with buttons, flaps and simple mechanisms and beginning to learn to operate them.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneOperates mechanical toys, e.g. turns the knob on a wind-up toy or pulls back on a friction car.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core
- MilestoneRemembers where objects belong.Mind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Seeks to acquire basic skills in turning on and operating some ICT equipment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Operates mechanical toys, e.g. turns the knob on a wind-up toy or pulls back on a friction car.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Matches parts of objects that fit together, e.g. puts lid on teapot.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Remembers where objects belong.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk about ICT apparatus, what it does, what they can do with it and how to use it safely.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)