Level 3
Advanced Diploma in
Infant Developmental Play:
Developmental Play Practitioner TRAIning
Welcome to Infant Developmental Play Training—designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of developmental play during a baby’s crucial first year.
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This accredited Level 3 Advanced Diploma equips you with essential knowledge of play from a neurodevelopmental perspective, grounded in my years of experience as a Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist.
Combining evidence-based theory with hands-on practice, this course covers everything you need to support a baby's physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, and social development through movement and play.
You’ll gain a profound understanding of child development, explore the importance of mini milestones, learn ideal positions for play to progress development, and discover the key role of parent-infant relationships—all while accessing 100s of OT approved, progressive and developmentally appropriate play ideas to enrich your services and interventions.
This course is available as part of the Advanced Practitioner 0-3 Programme (enrol anytime) worth 30 CPD points and includes Carly's most comprehensive training package:
Tummy Time Practitioner Training (including the Plus+ Package for Babies with Additional Needs) and the Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Toddler Developmental Play (1-3 years)
Gain an in-depth understanding of the neurodevelopmental science behind Developmental Play and its critical role in supporting the foundational stages of life from the womb to world and the preschool years. You’ll learn how play is not just a form of engagement but a vital component that shapes a baby’s brain development, influencing their physical, cognitive, and emotional health and wellbeing for years to come.
As an Infant Developmental Play Practitioner, you’ll discover how to create environments and activities that promote brain and neural connection whilst fostering both co-regulation and co-occupation.
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Discover the importance of nurturing young nervous systems when engaging in infant play.
Honouring sensory states, developing sensory systems and primitive reflexes whilst providing sensory appropriate play for infants that will support the architecture of their brain, and foundations of their postures and movements.
Understand and apply evidence based knowledge of sensory and motor developmental skills in infants and the significance of Mini Milestones, Transverse and Upright Positions for Play amongst Stages of Play, Schematic Play and the EYFS for 0–1 year-olds - all of which have life long impact on health and function.
The Developmental Play Gym Approach™ empowers practitioners to support children holistically, using everyday objects and simple activities to promote physical, sensory, and cognitive development. By making this approach accessible to all families, we ensure that children can benefit from play that builds strength and coordination while preparing them for more advanced motor skills and learning. This approach focuses on guiding children through a natural progression of movement, starting from being cradled in a parent’s arms, moving to the floor, and then progressing to more complex forms of play. The aim is to build essential core muscles before advancing to skills such as fine motor development, visual perception, and cognitive functions.
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Become competent in practising a variety of Paediatric Occupational Therapist Approved Developmental Play activities and interventions for infants ages 0-1 years with access to 100s of Play ideas, positions for play, and practical hands on methods to support and progress infant development.
Master how to structure and set up groups, bespoke 1-1s and/or therapy sessions using a Developmental Play Gym Approach to deliver developmentally appropriate sensory play and how to use positioning for play to progress development for infants age 0-1. Including infants with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Learn, understand and apply the key components for holding space and facilitating successful inclusive play spaces for parents and babies either as bespoke 1-1 sessions or group work, including health & safety and social justice. Discover marketing techniques to serve your community and if working independently, successfully attract parents and infants to your services.
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​​This Level 3 Diploma in Infant Developmental Play 0-1 years (worth 15 CPD points) is now available as part of the Advanced Practitioner 0-3 Bundle (enrol anytime) which include Carly's most comprehensive training package to date - Tummy Time Practitioner Training including Plus+ Package for Babies with Additional Needs, as well as the Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Toddler Developmental Play 1-3 years (15 CPD points) Upon completion students will have obtained two accredited Level 3 Diplomas worth 30 CPD points.
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​Carly Budd Developmental Play Academy is not a franchise, rather an online training academy offering high quality courses created and delivered by a highly specialised and registered health professional. You have freedom and creativity to deliver your classes and sessions without the costs or constraints of a franchise, but with the benefits of offering OT approved services, ongoing support from a global community of practitioners as well as Carly herself. There are also opportunities for ongoing CPD when you join this supportive global community.
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*Those enrolling must have their own professional indemnity and public liability insurances in place to practice.
Please NB: Lifetime Access to courses refers to business lifetime and for the duration of the Developmental Play Academy's existence.
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Who is this training programme for?This Advanced Practitioner in Developmental Play 0-3 years Training is ideal for newly qualified OTs, PTs, SLTS and AHPs, those new to paediatrics / perinatal services, new to supporting preschool children, those wishing to move into independent practice, or creating health promotion and child development services in their communities. The programme also suits a wide range of other professionals including those working with families and young children in Social Care , Early Years, Education and Parent and Baby Wellbeing Sectors. This is a complete 0-3 training and qualification that can also be used to create independent business without the costs of a franchise, or to infuse into your existing services, programmes and practices. If you would like to discuss if this training programme is for you, then please contact carly@carlybudd.co.uk to arrange a free connection call.
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How is this training different to other early years training?This training program has been meticulously designed by a Specialist Children's Occupational Therapist to delve into the intricacies of child development and maturation through a neurodevelopmental lens. It offers a thorough examination of the movement needs of babies and infants, emphasising critical areas such as mini milestones, play diets, and optimal positions for play. By focusing on the key performance components necessary for lifelong function, this program supports the development of robust physical and functional health, and infant mental wellbeing and attachment. Not only do you receive the theoretical basis, this training provides a robust, evidence based library of 100s of play ideas that support progressive development through the ages of 0-3. The primary aim of this training is to ensure that young children's bodies develop in ways that enable them to perform all the activities they need, want, and are required to do throughout their lives. By understanding and fostering these essential developmental elements and utilising the practical hands on techniques, ideas and interventions recommended, you will be equipped to lay strong foundations that lead to better health outcomes, optimal development, and enhanced quality of life for the children you work with.
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Are the courses accredited?Yes, both the Infant Developmental Play Diploma, with the Tummy Time Practitioner course, and the Toddler Developmental Play Diploma are accredited with Think Tree Association to Level 3 Advanced Diploma level. Both Advanced Diplomas are worth 15 CPD points individually. By completing both Diplomas, students will gain 30 CPD points.
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Can I enrol in the courses individually instead of as part of the 0-3 bundle?At present the Tummy Time Training can be accessed two ways: 1) Enrol on to the Tummy Time Practitioner PLUS+ package which includes award winning Tummy Time Practitioner training as well as the PLUS+ specialist masterclasses for supporting babies with additional medical needs. All Carly's Tummy Time practitioners will now also study as standard to include babies with medical. physical and/or sensory needs. 2) Enrol on the Advanced Practitioner 0-3 Training to receive the Tummy Time Practitioner PLUS+ Package as well as Diplomas in Infant and Toddler Developmental play. This bundle is the most cost effective way to enhance your studies and qualifications. It delves deeply into child development, specifically focusing on the crucial 0-3 age range. The full 0-3 training approach ensures that students gain comprehensive expertise across all aspects of developmental play, allowing for a complete understanding of sensory, motor, and cognitive development within this critical early years window. The integrated programme structure ensures that students receive a thorough, cohesive education that prepares them to be an Advanced Practitioner in Developmental Play 0-3 yrs.
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How do I access the courses and content?This is an online training programme, and all courses are accessed through Teachable, a reputable training platform utilised by Carly Budd Developmental Play Academy. By enrolling in the Advanced Practitioner in Developmental Play 0-3 years Training, you will gain instant access to the course content and manuals of play ideas. You’ll enjoy long-term access, allowing you to revisit the courses at any time. The course materials include a mix of video lectures from Carly, written content, practical videos, downloadable resources, and helpful video links. While most of the learning is online, there are some practical elements that require you to deliver in-person sessions through case studies.
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Are there case studies or practical elements to the training?Yes, the Infant Developmental Play Diploma and the Toddler Developmental Play Diploma both require you to complete one case study session with 1-3 children. You will need to submit a short video for both case studies, as well as a brief demonstration video for the Tummy Time Practitioner Training. Further information on these requirements can be found in the details for each individual course.
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What if I cannot complete the 0-3 training in 4 months?You can complete the Advanced Practitioner in Developmental Play 0-3 training in 4 months by following the suggested study timetable. However, there is no time limit, and you’ll have long-term access after enrolment, allowing you to study at your own pace and in your own time.
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Can I enrol at any time?Yes, Advanced Practitioner in Developmental Play 0-3 Bundle is available to enrol anytime.
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Can I apply for funding from my employer?Yes, many students have applied for and received financial support from their employer to complete training with Carly Budd Developmental Play Academy. Carly is a preferred supplier for a number of NHS trusts and Local Authorities. Here is a ready made template for you download and complete to request financial support from your employer [LINK]
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Do you offer group discounts?Yes, if you're looking to advance the knowledge and expertise of your nursery or early years practitioners, or practice staff, clinic team, I offer special discounts for group enrolments. To find out more, please email me HERE
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Do you offer refunds?No, due to the immediate delivery of the online course and digital resources, we are unable to offer refunds. Therefore, please ensure that you thoroughly research the training before enrolling by reviewing the full course description and content. It’s important to take all necessary steps to confirm that this course and training provider are the right fit for you. You can contact Carly at carly@carlybudd.co.uk to arrange a free connection call to discuss if the course is for you.