SAPPHIRE CHILDREN'S THERAPY

Resources for Families

Free guides on development, conditions, EHCPs, and more. Curated by specialist paediatric physiotherapists.

UNDER 5S

Tummy Time: Why it matters

APCP's guide to tummy time with age-appropriate activities. Start from day one.

APCP / CSP →

DEVELOPMENT

Is it OK if my baby skips crawling?

Crawling builds coordination, core strength, and hand development. When skipping crawling warrants a closer look.

Physical Therapy for Infants →

EHCPS

Physiotherapy and EHC Plans

Our guide to how physiotherapy fits into EHC plans, what good provision looks like, and what options are available when plans fall short.

Thrive Physiotherapy →

DEVELOPMENT

W-sitting: should you worry?

A 2024 review found no evidence that W-sitting causes hip problems or developmental issues. If your child moves freely in and out of other positions, there is usually no cause for concern.

Evidence summary

EQUIPMENT

Postural management: a guide for parents

APCP's parent-friendly guide to postural management for children who have difficulty with moving, sitting, standing, or walking independently.

APCP / CSP →

EHCPS

Long waits causing 'irreversible harm' to children

38% of paediatric physios say children are waiting far longer than they should, with implications for development.

CSP →

UNDER 5S

Baby walkers: are they necessary?

Why physiotherapists do not recommend baby walkers, and what to do instead.

APCP / CSP →

UNDER 5S

Head turning preference and plagiocephaly

Why some babies prefer turning to one side, what flat head syndrome is, and how physiotherapy helps.

APCP / CSP →

MSK

Flat feet in children: what parents need to know

When flat feet need attention and when they are part of normal development.

APCP / CSP →

MSK

Intoeing: when children's feet point inward

Common during growth and usually resolves. What causes it and when to seek advice.

APCP / CSP →

MSK

Hypermobility and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder

What hypermobility means, how it affects children, and how physiotherapy helps.

APCP / CSP →

EQUIPMENT

Standing frames: why standing matters

APCP's guide to standing frames: why they help and what to expect.

APCP / CSP →

UNDER 5S

Awake time ideas for premature babies

Practical advice to support your premature baby's early physical development.

APCP / CSP →

MSK

Osgood-Schlatter: knee pain in young people

Knee pain affecting 1 in 10 young people. What it is and how to manage it.

APCP / CSP →

Research and clinical trials

Some families want to know about research their child might be able to take part in. The services below let you search current UK studies by condition and location.

Taking part is always voluntary, and eligibility is decided by the research team rather than by us. If you are considering a study, discuss it with your child's consultant first. Be cautious of clinics outside the UK offering paid places on "trials": legitimate research does not usually charge families to take part.