16mo–2.2y9 minFree playFamily timeActive play
Yes-Space Safety Tour & Stop Game
A 16–26 month ‘safe space’ setup plus a simple go/stop movement game that helps you provide a safer area and practise clear safety language with your child, while also giving you a short script to align other adults.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor area (your ‘yes-space’)
- 2–3 cushions or folded blankets (to soften edges and mark boundaries)
- one simple ‘stop point’ (chair, sofa edge, or a towel on the floor)
- one safe carry item (soft toy or small cushion)
Nice to have
- masking tape to mark a boundary line
- a basket or box for ‘safe drop’
- a phone for music (optional)
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
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneResponds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Heart· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneFollows two spoken directionsMind· 16mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· core
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)