Access and independence
Encouraging self help skills
Everyday routines provide valuable opportunities for children to develop self-help skills, confidence and growing independence.
- Self-help skills support children's independence, confidence and sense of competence.
- Children develop self-help skills through everyday experiences and repeated practice.
- Environments that are accessible and thoughtfully organised encourage independence.
- Learning self-help skills takes time, patience and support.
- Opportunities to practise everyday tasks help children develop confidence and responsibility.
Through a child's eyes...
“When I can do things for myself, I feel capable and proud.”
In everyday moments...
Everyday routines provide valuable opportunities for children to develop self-help skills. Tasks such as dressing, eating, toileting and caring for belongings help children build confidence and independence over time.
Simple ideas to try
- Dressing and undressing.
- Packing bags and lunchboxes.
- Serving food and drinks.
- Managing personal hygiene routines.
- Caring for personal belongings.
Building through relationships...
Accessible, thoughtfully organised environments encourage children to participate independently in everyday routines.
Simple ideas to try
- Provide child-sized furniture, tools and equipment.
- Store frequently used items within children's reach.
- Use labels, pictures or visual supports to promote independence.
- Create predictable routines and organised spaces.
- Ensure children have opportunities to practise everyday tasks.
Learning through play...
As children develop self-help skills, they learn to:
Simple ideas to try
- become more independent
- develop confidence and persistence
- solve problems and make decisions
- take responsibility for themselves and their belongings
- develop fine and gross motor skills
- build a sense of competence and capability
- become confident in helping others
Creating supportive spaces...
Learning self-help skills takes time, patience and repeated opportunities to practise within supportive relationships.
Simple ideas to try
- Allow extra time for children to practise new skills.
- Break tasks into manageable steps when needed.
- Offer encouragement and guidance without taking over.
- Acknowledge effort and persistence.
- Provide regular opportunities for children to participate in everyday routines.
- Embrace mistakes and accidents as valuable learning opportunities
Supporting children across contexts...
At home ...
Simple ideas to try
- Encourage children to dress, feed and care for themselves where possible.
- Create accessible spaces for clothing, toiletries and belongings.
- Involve children in everyday household routines.
- Allow time for children to practise and learn new skills.
In early learning settings...
Simple ideas to try
- Create routines that encourage active participation.
- Provide child-sized tools and accessible materials.
- Support children to independently manage personal belongings.
- Work in partnership with families to encourage consistent expectations.
- Involve children in setting up and packing away throughout the day including meals, rest times and learning experiences.
Try this today...
- Identify one routine your child could participate in more independently.
- Make everyday items easier for your child to access.
- Allow extra time for your child to practise a self-help skill.
- Encourage effort and persistence rather than focusing on perfection.
- Reflect on whether your environment supports independence.