As an occupational therapist, Sarah Skinner spent her working hours helping children to develop their co-ordination.Now she has packaged her knowledge into her own range of toys and crafts, called JB Kids Play.

She said: “I worked for the NHS until last September, but having children, it was hard to fit it all in. My children were going to parties and often the toys that came in their party bags went straight in the bin.

“Also, as a busy mum, I was always trying to find things for party bags on my children’s own birthdays, and it was difficult to find good quality items.”

She enlisted the help of neighbours in Deddington, near Banbury, to brainstorm, research ideas and launch her company earlier this year.

“I am really passionate about developing toys and gifts that encourage children's creativity and co-ordination skills. For example, we came up with simple craft kits for sewing and knitting.”

The kits are designed to be fun and simple for children to learn sewing and knitting. "It promotes their development and they can have fun with creative. We have kept things very simple so that the kids don't get frustrated,” said Mrs Skinner.

She added: "Pieces are pre-cut and therefore reduce frustrations and result in a quick satisfying result. Kids develop their co-ordination skills and dexterity skills while having fun."

She stores the craft kits in her home in Deddington, but uses an office nearby to store the party bags, which she also makes up herself with specially selected paper bags.

At the moment she is posting each order individually, using Royal Mail or couriers.

“We have had calls from people desperate for party bags and we have managed to get them there by the next day. It has been exciting and nerve-racking — it is such a steep learning curve.”

Local schools and charities can register to gain ten per cent of the value of orders made by supporters.

Eventually she hopes to use her occupational therapy experience to develop a range for children with special needs such as co-ordination difficulties. “Special toys can be expensive. I would like to have a whole range of affordable toys that people can dip into. I am also starting a blog with suggestions for different activities.”

She added: “It is always good to learn something new and branch out on a new path, but I'm hoping to use my occupational therapy skills more and more.” * Contact: 0844 8111454 Web: www.jbkidsplay.co.uk