Explores the environment, interacts with others and plays confidently while their parent/carer or key person is close by; using them as a secure base to return to for reassurance if anxious or in unfamiliar situations
Shows empathy by offering comfort that they themselves would find soothing, e.g. their dummy
Enjoys playing alone and alongside others and is also interested in being together and playing with other children
Will often watch, follow and imitate each other in their play and will experiment with influencing others, co-operating together and also resisting coercion in their interactions
Asserts their own ideas and preferences and takes notice of other people’s responses
Will sometimes experience long periods of social engagement as overwhelming and may withdraw or collapse with frustration
