Carly Budd Developmental Play Academy

03/02/2026

As a specialist children’s occupational therapist I am really concerned and frustrated to see this being shared. It feels like it could take us back decades in how we support early motor development.

Tummy time is not outdated. It is evidence-based and essential for helping babies build motor coordination and control, support healthy spinal development , develop sensory systems, and learn how their bodies work. It is a position for play, not to just place babies on the floor and leave them, but to encourage them to explore their bodies and discover movement with interaction from people. The key is nurturing tummy time experiences that start with parents and gradually move to the ground. A lot of babies will not go into tummy positions unless they are supported, yet this article seems to ignore that completely.

In a world where babies are not left in “containers” and every parent has time to schedule it perfectly, some of this may ring true but that is not reality for most families or settings. The problem is when we ignore babies’ cues, push them when they are not enjoying tummy time, What we need is to respond, adapt, and make it playful, safe, and enjoyable, not abandon it altogether. When done well, tummy time is fun, safe, and supports healthy development. Critique of practice is fine, but we should never suggest abandoning something with so much evidence behind it ans suggesting it isn’t essential it’s dangerous territory

The practice can impede a baby's natural development, finds Annette Rawstrone

01/02/2026

🌱🌱 Imbolc the first stirrings of spring & the return of the light 🌱

Every year at this time, I love stepping outside early in the morning, noticing the light changing, the first shoots pushing through the soil, and thinking about what I want to grow , in life, in work, and in play.

I’ve always been a bit of a hippy, nature-loving girl 🌿, and bringing that curiosity and wonder into children’s play has been the most joyful part of my work over the years! Watching little hands explore leaves, soil, and sticks with purpose and freedom reminds me how much they need the outdoors and how transformative outdoor play can be.

That’s why I created Play the Nature Way® training — an online course that teaches you how to use nature-based play intentionally to support children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

In the course, you’ll get:
• 75+ Occupational Therapy-approved activities
• 30 ready-to-use teaching plans
• Practical guidance to run sessions confidently and safely

Flexible, online, and full of practical, playful ideas, it’s everything you need to make outdoor play purposeful, joyful, and impactful 🌿

✨ 40% OFF with code IMBOLC40 ✨

👉 Check out Carly Budd – Play the Nature Way training online https://www.carlybudd.co.uk/play-the-nature-way

22/01/2026

✨ I know all play is developmental but the Developmental Play approach makes it intentionally powerful ✨

Every child learns through play. Every little movement, every tiny attempt, every mini milestone matters. All play supports development whether a child is typically developing or following their own unique journey.

The Developmental Play approach is a tool I use (and teach my practitioners to use) to make play purposeful to support certain areas of skill whilst having fun in the process. It’s about seeing play through a developmental lens and using it intentionally to support each child’s growth, confidence, and sense of belonging.

It’s an approach that:

Celebrates every small win, not just the big achievements

Meets the child where they are, respecting individuality and difference

Strengthens parent-child connection

Supports body, brain, and function for life through movement, coordination, independence, problem-solving and Brian building activities.

Creates inclusive, safe, meaningful experiences

This is what I teach my practitioners: how to use the Developmental Play approach to unlock potential, nurture confidence, and enjoy play in all its glory!

www.carlybudd.co.uk

18/01/2026

Big thanks if you made it through all the slides! Feeling so grateful this evening as I celebrate 6️⃣ years of the Developmental Play Academy and the journey I’ve been on during this time.

I want to take a moment to celebrate all of my amazing practitioners from OTs and physios, to Early years professionals and family support workers, and everyone in between, who trust me with their learning, show up every day to do important, meaningful work, and create play spaces that truly make a difference for children and families.

Through your dedication, we empower parents to bring more play home and create inclusive play spaces where every child can thrive. It’s your curiosity, passion, and commitment that inspires me every day.

Thank you for letting me be part of your growth here’s to continuing to make play the heart of every child’s development 💛

www.carlybudd.co.uk

15/01/2026

✨ Celebrating our latest Advanced Practitioner in Infant Developmental Play (0–1) ✨🎉

I’m incredibly proud to share that Anita McKenna, founder of , is now an Advanced Practitioner in Developmental Play (0–1), as part of the wider Advanced Practitioner in Developmental Play (0–3) Programme.

Anita brings over 20 years of experience across nursery, mainstream and special education, and in recent years has delivered early intervention within a Mencap Children’s Centre, working closely alongside multidisciplinary teams. She launched her own business in 2024, bringing together deep experience, strong values, and a genuine commitment to inclusive early years support.

With a wealth of knowledge and qualifications, Anita continues her professional journey through the full 0–3 programme pathway, including Tummy Time Practitioner training. She is now able to deliver OT-approved, specialist developmental classes for all children — those developing typically and those following their own individual developmental pathway.

All training within the Developmental Play Academy is grounded in inclusion, fully considering children with additional needs and disabilities, and supporting practitioners to work with confidence and clinical integrity.

With OT-approved lesson plans, structured practitioner support, and a strong clinical foundation, everything is in place for Anita to support families with clarity, confidence and care.

Anita, you should be so proud. It’s a privilege to support practitioners like you who are raising the standard of early support in their communities 🤍

If you’re a practitioner feeling drawn to deeper understanding, clinical confidence and truly inclusive practice from 0–3, you can explore the pathway at
👉 www.carlybudd.co.uk

13/01/2026

Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak on about the new “Autistic Barbie” and the conversations it has sparked.

As expected, there are mixed views, and that’s completely understandable. Conversations around neurodivergence and disability are nuanced and deserve care.

Play is how children learn about themselves, about others, and about where they belong in the world. The toys we provide and the activities we make available, quietly shape those messages every day.

From an occupational therapy perspective, representation and meaningfulness in play matters. For some children, seeing neurodivergence and disability reflected in everyday play and toys can feel affirming. It can say, you belong here, without needing explanation or fixing.

At the same time, neurodivergence and disability aren’t a look. Any Barbie could be autistic or disabled.
And no single doll could ever represent the richness and diversity of lived experience.

True inclusion isn’t a tick-box exercise. It’s about neurodivergence and disability being part of everyday life and not something children only encounter as a “lesson”. When difference is normalised through play, that’s where real inclusion begins.

This feels like progress, not perfection and I discussed some of this in the short time I was on the radio.

🎙️If you’d like to take a listen to the BBC clip, check out my links. I’d genuinely love to hear what do you think?

Listen from around 1hr 27 in - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002pcs0?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

07/01/2026

🎉 Celebrating Megan Carr – Our New Tummy Time Practitioner! 🎉

We are thrilled to welcome Megan Carr to the community of OT-approved Tummy Time Practitioners at the Developmental Play Academy!

Megan is a mother, FEDANT-accredited antenatal educator, and founder of d, where she supports families in preparing for birth and navigating the fourth trimester. Her work helps parents feel informed, empowered, and confident in making choices that are right for them and their families.

Megan recently completed our Tummy Time Practitioner Training, and her excitement is contagious:
“Your enthusiasm about tummy time has made me excited to start sharing all the love with others. The training was excellent, and I feel like I got so much from it….My first private group is in January !”

By integrating her antenatal and perinatal expertise with OT-approved Tummy Time practice, Megan is perfectly placed to support families from the earliest stages, boosting development, confidence, and connection in both typically developing children and those with additional needs.

If you’re looking for expertise to guide early development and give families a strong start, Megan is someone to connect with. 💛

And if you somebody looking to uplevel your skill set this year so that you too can offer specialist programmes, courses and workshops to families in your community then do check out my accredited training www.carlybudd.co.uk

05/01/2026

Oh dear, January makes it so easy to slip into rushing, back to this, back to that and then literally slipping over on to your back 🤪 (I’m ok, I didn't hurt myself! I was so padded up and just glided down😝) but this morning reminded me that it’s ok to slow down, and take each step intentionally.

It got me thinking about my approach to my online training too here at the Developmental Play Academy® because everything can be taken steady, at your own pace, with intention.

Did you know that all my training is self-paced, online, with no deadlines, so you can start, pause, and come back whenever you need to? You get long term access too so there is no pressure!

Tummy Time Training is the equivalent of 2 full days, where as the advanced programme in developemntal play 0-3 can be competed in around 3-4 months…but
Two of my new students have decided to use this whole year to complete their studies with me.

All my courses take a neurodevelopmental lens - we go into the depths of development from a health perspective, with everything OT-approved. You learn not just the what, but the why, so you can confidently support children of all abilities in play and development… we don’t expect children to rush, so you don’t have to either.

So if you’re looking for a steady path to becoming confident in supporting children with all abilities in play and development, this could be the perfect fit for you.

www.carlybudd.co.uk

31/12/2025

I always feel a bit reflective as the year closes, and for me 2025 has been a beautiful reminder that meaningful work doesn’t need fanfare or numbers. It can simply be steady, grounded, and deeply rewarding.

As we step into 2026 I hope you carry with you the reminder that the work you do with families and children, in whichever way you show up, truly matters. And I thank you.

Big love, Carly xx

www.carlybudd.co.uk

22/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close I’ve been reflecting on what this year has held.

It has been a year that asked for integrity, to stay steady, to trust the work that matters, and to focus on depth over noise. To remember that development is a journey not a destination, and that every child, family, and professional grows in their own way.

Being alongside children in homes, schools, clinics, and supporting professionals who care deeply about play, inclusion, and thoughtful practice has been a privilege. I’ve seen courage, curiosity, and resilience in so many forms. Supporting children is not about rushing or fixing, it’s about noticing the small steps, holding space, and celebrating what is.

Play continues to sit at the heart of everything I do. Not only does it nurture connection, regulation, access, and participation, but it also builds skills and helps children move and explore their world in ways that matter to them.

My online training at the Developmental Play Academy has welcomed more teams from nurseries, third sector organisations, family support workers, and perinatal practitioners this year. Although I may be quieter here on socials, the work with children and professionals has been as impactful as ever.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, it is not the likes, but the shared moments of reflection, curiosity, and learning that mean the most. Thank you for valuing integrity, care, and depth in the work we do together.

Wishing you a gentle end to 2025, and a Christmas filled with connection, play , and meaningful moments.

With love and play,
Carly xx

www.carlybudd.co.uk

20/12/2025

December, you have been a lot and just enough ✨I feel like this snippet of December sums me up!
Christmas trees filling cosy corners.
Elves being playful.
Sunshine between trees, misty magic in the woods.
Cold, fun beach days.
Trips to London.
Dogs. Always dogs.
And the cat quietly supervising it all 🐾
Hot drinks between busy moments.
Cheeky tipples that turned into proper laughs.
A work Christmas party that reminded me why connection, community and shared values matter so much.

December so far has felt full of movement, warmth and gentle magic. I’m here for it xx