What this tool does

It gives you a short list of activity ideas that suit your child's age and the things they already enjoy, with a focus on the area of development you want to support. You tell it a bit about your child, and it comes back with practical suggestions you can try at home, usually with bits and pieces you already have around.

The aim is to save you scrolling through long lists of generic ideas that do not quite fit your child. Instead you get a handful of activities that make sense for where they are now.

When to use it

It is useful if you have run out of fresh ideas, if rainy afternoons are dragging, or if you want to gently work on something specific like talking, sharing, holding a pencil, or working through a tricky puzzle. Parents, grandparents, childminders and anyone else looking after a child from toddler years through to primary age will get something out of it.

It is not a substitute for advice from your GP, health visitor or a specialist. If you have real concerns about how your child is developing, speak to a professional. This tool is for everyday play ideas, not assessments.

How it works

You answer a few quick questions about your child's age, what they like doing, and the skill you want to focus on. The tool puts together a short, plain English list of activities with a sentence or two explaining why each one helps. Nothing you enter is saved, and you can run it again as often as you like as your child grows or their interests change.