0mo–11mo11 minFamily timeSelf-careQuiet time
Welcome Routine Map
A short pre-start or settling-in routine where you learn your child's home cues (feeding, sleep, comfort) from parents and turn them into two predictable, familiar steps that help your child feel safe and comforted in a new place.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a simple way to take notes (paper + pen, or phone notes)
- a calm spot where you can sit with baby and parent for a few minutes
Nice to have
- a small comfort item from home (cloth/blanket/soft toy if the family uses one)
- a short routine card you can keep for your child
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCalms with caregiver soothingHeart· 0mo–3mo· core
- MilestoneSeeks caregiver comfortHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar caregiverHeart· 0mo–10mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Is comforted by touch and people’s faces and voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Seeks physical and emotional comfort by snuggling in to trusted adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Calms from being upset when held, rocked, spoken or sung to with soothing voice.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows a range of emotions such as pleasure, fear and excitement.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Find out as much as you can from parents about young babies before they join the setting, so that the routines you follow are familiar and comforting.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)