22mo–3y10 minFree playActive playOutdoor
Safe Explorer: Try, Pause, Check-In
A supervised mini ‘yes space’ challenge where your child gets to take safe risks (climb, step, balance) while practising pausing, noticing hazards, and seeking adult support—without shutting down their curiosity.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–4 sofa cushions or pillows
- masking tape or 2 objects to mark a start/finish spot
- a clear floor space (or a safe patch of grass)
Nice to have
- a low step/doorstep (adult-supervised) or sturdy box to step on
- a blanket to make a ‘landing spot’
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
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure children’s safety, while not unduly inhibiting their risk-taking.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)