Kids

Kingshott Co-ed Prep School, Hitchin

Muddy says: This innovative co-ed prep school in central Hertfordshire has outstanding facilities, offers a dynamic curriculum and certainly isn't afraid of change.
Stop fussing! And other lockdown lessons

Parenting can be a little fraught when you're essentially under siege in your own house. So we decided to talk to our young people to find out what they think we could be doing better.
Queenswood Girls’ School, Hatfield

Muddy says: Looking for a super-sporty boarding school in a bucolic setting? I have just the thing...
6 reasons to consider InterHigh

If you're one of the many parents considering an alternative to mainstream education right now, virtual school InterHigh could be the answer to your prayers.
Mount House School, Barnet

All change for this small, inclusive school on the Herts/ London border - a brand new head, the introduction of boys and big plans to take the facilities to the next level.
How to help your kids get the careers they want

It’s never been tougher for young people to find a foothold on the labour market so how, as parents, can we help them get ahead?
10 of the best subscription boxes for kids

Running on empty when it comes to entertaining the kids? Royal Mail comes up trumps with these brilliant subscription boxes – time to sit with a gin and wait for the postman.
Happy Halloween! Here’s what’s on in Herts & Beds

Pumpkin Festival at Willow’s Activity Farm, 17 Oct – 1 Nov The Pumpkin Patch at Willow’s Activity Farm is ripe for the picking, with THOUSANDS of glorious orange pumpkins waiting for you. Choose the biggest one and purchase a carving kit, so you can create a monstrous masterpiece in the Carving Cavern to take home. […]
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.
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.
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.
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!