16mo–2.2y8 minFamily timeSelf-careFree play
Safety Zone Tour: Safe Space + Safe Words
A quick ‘safe space’ setup plus simple safety language practice where the adult explains boundaries to your child and keeps the adult aligned too. The activity uses two calm fine-motor moments (page turning and supervised pouring) inside the safe space.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small clear area you can supervise easily (safe space)
- pillows/cushions or a blanket to define the space
- one sturdy board/picture book
- two unbreakable containers (bowls or tubs)
- a child-safe cup and a small jug/cup for pouring (small amount of water)
- towel for spills
Nice to have
- masking tape to outline the safe space boundary
- a dry pouring alternative (large pasta shapes) if water is not suitable (close supervision)
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
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide safe spaces and explain safety to children and parents.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)