Kids

How to manage back-to-school anxiety

With the nation’s schoolchildren poised to go back to school, it’s a tense time for everyone. So, how, as parents, should we control our fears? Muddy finds out.
Parents’ guide to surviving exam results

...because it's not just the kids who are bricking it on GSCE and A level results days this year!
OPEN! Seventeen super summer holiday activities

Willow Farm The wonderful Willow Farm, St Albans, re-opened its doors to a whole bunch of super excited children on the 25th. And this great interactive farm is a must-visit for all those with a penchant for Peter Rabbit (whether that be the Cbeebies series, or this original Beatrix Potter masterpiece). There are a range […]
10 books for younger kids

Kids have had a lot on their plates: no school, no play dates, and slim chance of a summer of fun in the sun. Here's 10 great book for ages 5-8 to create a fictional escape route from the madness.
Bedford School, Bedfordshire

Muddy says: One of the top independent boys’ schools in the country, Bedford School excels in the arts, empathy and sport, in addition to its outstanding academic results.
Lockers Park, Hemel Hempstead

Muddy says: A traditional boys’ prep school and co-ed pre-prep with an intimate, home-from-home feel and an emphasis on inclusivity and individuality.
Is it time to try an online school?

With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, specialist ‘virtual’ schools are gaining huge traction - but what do they offer that’s different?
Parent ‘Lockdown learning’ survey – the results

Earlier this month we commissioned our own comprehensive survey amongst Muddy readers into Lockdown Learning – and we’ve been blown away by the response! Thank you to the 1200 of you who expressed how you felt about virtual-schooling, the difficulties you and your children were facing, as well as revealing surprise success stories and offering […]
Berkhamsted School Senior Boys, Girls and Sixth

These two single sex Senior schools and Co-ed Sixth Form offer a melting pot of traditional and modern facilities and values which combine to bring a vibrant and dynamic education to their students.
Berkhamsted Prep

Muddy says: Pupils at this town centre co-ed Prep have access to senior-standard facilities, specialist teachers who go the extra mile and the opportunity to be part of the wider Berkhamsted School family.
Berkhamsted Day Nursery and Pre-Prep

Muddy says: This idyllic nursery and co-ed pre-prep encourages the future generation to break the mould on an academic, social and emotional level - and its outdoor facilities are what dreams are made of!
Kids driving you nuts? The best parenting books

And we all thought parenting was hard BEFORE lockdown. Jeez! We've got five brilliant new books that promise to help.
How to keep your kids learning in lockdown

With no school for the vast majority of children until September, we’ve enlisted help from some of the top head teachers in the area for advice on how to keep your kids motivated and balanced. We hope it helps!
Living in lockdown with teens – eek!

Here are 20 things to do that might encourage your teenagers to get out of bed by midday – or at the very least by least by nightfall (fingers crossed).
5 things I’ve learned about motherhood

Acclaimed author (and Muddy favourite) Clover Stroud is in the midst of raising her 5 children. Miraculously she's found time to write a book about it all. Here's a taster.
Easter activities SORTED!

Are you in Half-Term recovery mode? Now the kids are back at school (praise be), plan for an easier Easter with Barracudas Activity Day Camps – I reckon your ankle-biters will love it.
Royal Masonic School Pre-Prep and Prep

Part of a vast and impressive campus, this co-ed Nursery and girls' Pre-Prep and Prep offer outstanding facilities and a kick-start to a seamless educational journey from the age of two.
Edge Grove, Aldenham Village

Muddy says: This friendly co-ed day and boarding prep school has a family ethos and a creative and dynamic approach to learning.
J’adore/ J’abhor

Parlez-vous teen slang? The language barrier has always been a problem when it comes to parent/child communications. Do you find the way your little darlings speak totally basic or, like, lit?
Your ultimate Autumn Walks guide

Grab your kids, your besties, your dog and anyone else who is free to join you on our first Autumn Walks initiative with Joules - and win coats and wellies for the whole family!
Sweetest summer fashion

There's no shortage of gorgeous children's companies, but high street brand Joules is our pick for the best-dressed kids on the beach.
Cute babywear

Is there a new little prince or princess in your family too? Click this way for the cutest newborn clothes around. Awwww!