16mo–2.2y12 minOutdoorActive playFree play
Surface Safari Route
A short guided walk-and-explore route across different safe surfaces (indoors and/or outdoors) to practise steady walking, safe running bursts, and gentle climbing with close supervision.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–3 different safe surfaces (e.g., carpet and hard floor, or grass and pavement)
- a few safe markers (towels, cushions, or tape to mark start/finish)
- 2–3 carry items (soft toy or rolled sock) to transport
Nice to have
- a low, sturdy step (bottom stair or low step stool with adult support)
- a pram or push toy (if available) for supported walking
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
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· core
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneWalks upstairs with supportBody· 18mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneClimbs stairs with adult helpBody· 10mo–18mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneDescends with adult helpBody· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Runs safely on whole foot.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Climbs confidently and is beginning to pull themselves up on nursery play climbing equipment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Squats with steadiness to rest or play with object on the ground, and rises to feet without using hands.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan opportunities for children to tackle a range of levels and surfaces including flat and hilly ground, grass, pebbles, asphalt, smooth floors and carpets.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)