16mo–2.2y8 minFamily timeQuiet timeDevelopmental play
Who’s Here Today? Carer Photo Welcome
A brief arrival-prep routine where you uses photos of carers to help your child anticipate who will be there, practise greetings, and feel more secure and confident during transitions.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–5 photographs of carers (key person/teachers) and familiar family members (printed or on a phone)
- a safe place to look together (on your lap, at a low table, or standing at a wall display)
Nice to have
- tape/magnets/blu-tack to place photos at toddler eye-level (supervised)
- a small bag/coat/shoes to do a quick ‘pretend arrival’ rehearsal
- a comfort item your child uses (soft toy/blanket)
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
- MilestoneSupported routine participationMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneUses familiar adult support in new situationsHeart· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneEnjoys pictures and stories about themselves, their families and other people.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneIs curious about people and shows interest in stories about themselves and their family.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Holds cup with both hands and drinks without much spilling.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Willing to try new food textures and tastes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Develops own likes and dislikes in food and drink.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows some awareness of bladder and bowel urges.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Clearly communicates wet or soiled nappy or pants.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Display photographs of carers, so that when young children arrive, their parents can show them who will be there to take care of them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)