3.3y–5y12 minArtDevelopmental playFamily time
Safe Tools Club: Our 3 Sensible Rules
A short craft where you explain why safety matters and practise sensible rules while using scissors, glue/tape, and pencils with increasing control.
What you'll need
Essentials
- child-safe scissors
- paper (scrap is fine)
- glue stick or tape
- pencil/crayons/marker
- a tray or clear table space
Nice to have
- a small container/envelope for storing cut pieces
- stickers (optional reward)
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
- MilestoneShows understanding of how to transport and store equipment safely.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses scissors safelyBody· 3y–4y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneControls tools effectivelyBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses child scissorsBody· 2.9y–5y· core
- MilestoneCuts roughly along a straight lineBody· 3.5y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses finger-thumb pencil graspBody· 2.8y–4y· core
What it practices
- Handles tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses simple tools to effect changes to materials.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Explain why safety is an important factor in handling tools, equipment and materials, and have sensible rules for everybody to follow.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)