3.3y–5y13 minActive playArtChore time
Safe Tools, Safe Moves: Build-an-Obstacle Course
A 40–60 month activity where your child learns safe equipment use (e.g., scissors/tools) while helping you build and then try a simple obstacle course, practising safe travel, jumping/landing, and controlled object play.
What you'll need
Essentials
- child-safe scissors
- masking tape (or painter’s tape)
- paper or thin card (to cut ‘markers’)
- 2–4 cushions and 1 rolled towel (for stepping/over/under)
- a cardboard box or laundry basket (throw/aim target)
- a soft ball (or rolled-up socks)
Nice to have
- a hole punch or stapler (adult-supervised) for ‘tool talk’
- a clipboard or paper to draw the course plan
- a timer (phone) for a fun ‘slow and steady’ challenge
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
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneShows understanding of how to transport and store equipment safely.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses scissors safelyBody· 3y–4y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneUses child scissorsBody· 2.9y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneNegotiates space while movingBody· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneUses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneJumps down from a raised objectBody· 3.2y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneShows increasing control over an object in pushing, patting, throwing, catching or kicking it.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneClimbs playground equipmentBody· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSeeks help when danger is uncertainHeart· 14mo–3.7y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Travels with confidence and skill around, under, over and through balancing and climbing equipment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Jumps off an object and lands appropriately.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows increasing control over an object in pushing, patting, throwing, catching or kicking it.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Teach children the skills they need to use equipment safely, e.g. cutting with scissors or using tools.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)