Muddy Boots Hub
Welcome to our Hub
Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked the most ! You will see a couple of the sections feature forms that you can complete and are sent directly to the teams who can help. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, please use our live chat in the bottom right corner of the website where we endever to assist you further !
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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We welcome little ones from 3 months old all the way up to 5 years, providing care and education right up to school age. Each of our rooms is carefully designed to suit their stage of development — from our cosy baby rooms to our adventurous preschool spaces.
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Yes, we’re open 51 weeks of the year, closing only for bank holidays and over the Christmas period. This helps working parents manage their schedules with confidence.
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Our standard hours are 8am to 6pm, with the option to add in a 7.30am to 8am breakfast club.
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Absolutely — we’d love to show you around! You can book a visit directly through our website, and see our spaces in action. We believe seeing is believing when it comes to the Muddy Boots difference.
ADMISSIONS & SETTLING IN
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We offer a free settling-in period before your official start date. This includes short visits where your child can explore their new space, meet their key person, and get to know us while you’re nearby.
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We ask for a minimum of two full days per week, as we find this helps children settle more quickly and form stronger bonds with our team.
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Just head to our showround page and book a tour or fill out a registration form. If we’re full, we’ll add you to our waiting list and keep in touch about availability.
DAILY LIFE & LEARNING
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Every day is packed with learning, laughter and adventure! From nature walks to creative play, sensory exploration and quiet story time — our days are structured yet flexible, so children thrive while feeling safe and secure.
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Yes, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) — the national framework for early education. But we bring it to life through hands-on, child-led learning, both indoors and outdoors.
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We do — it’s one of our passions! All of our nurseries focus on outdoor adventures in our large outdoor environments - we believe fresh air and freedom are the best teachers!
We also invest heavily in on-site nature schools, with two currently operating at our Acomb and Poppleton sites, and more to come!
MEALS & NUTRITION
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Yes — we provide a variety of nutritious, homemade meals and snacks throughout the day, freshly prepared in line with current guidance. From hearty breakfasts to healthy teas, we’ve got growing tummies well-fed and happy.
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We do. Your child’s safety and wellbeing are always our top priority. We work closely with parents to understand any allergies, intolerances, or dietary needs, and make sure every meal is safe, suitable, and delicious.
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Mealtimes at Muddy Boots are relaxed, social and full of learning opportunities. We encourage independence — from serving themselves to trying new tastes — and we focus on building healthy habits that last. No pressure, no fuss, just positive food experiences from the very start.
STAFF & COMMUNICATION
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Yes — every child is matched with a dedicated key person who builds a close relationship with your family. They’ll be your main point of contact and will support your child’s learning, routines and emotional well-being.
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We know how important it is to feel connected while your little one is with us. You’ll receive regular updates through the Famly app, including nap times, nappy changes, meals, and lovely snapshots of what they’ve been up to — whether it’s splashing in puddles or making playdough pizzas. You’ll never feel out of the loop.
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Yes, we use Famly, a secure and easy-to-use app that lets you check in on your child’s day in real time. It’s also where you’ll find important notices, learning updates, and direct messages from your child’s key person.
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Absolutely. Whether you’ve got a quick question, need to pass on a message, or just want to check how things are going — we’re only a phone call or message away. Your peace of mind is just as important to us as your child’s happiness
HEALTH, SAFETY & INCLUSION
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We follow NHS guidance to decide when children need to stay home, or go home from nursery - this helps keep everyone safe and well. If your child becomes unwell during the day, we’ll contact you straight away.
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Safety is our top priority. All of our settings are secure, and our team is trained in safeguarding, first aid, and health & safety procedures. We also conduct regular risk assessments indoors and out.
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Yes, where we can. We are an inclusive setting and work closely with families, health visitors and local services to support every child’s needs. Just let us know how we can help — we’re here to listen.
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We always aim to support every child and family, but in some cases we may need to exclude a child temporarily or permanently — for example, if behaviour seriously affects the wellbeing of others, or if specialist care is needed that we can't safely provide. We will always communicate with you openly if this arises.
CONTRACTS, FEES & BOOKINGS
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Once we’ve received your completed registration form and booking fee, we’ll review availability and get back to you. Your child’s place is officially confirmed when you receive a confirmation email from us — at that point, your contract with us begins.
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Fees for full-year care are averaged across 12 months to create a consistent monthly payment, regardless of how many weeks fall in each month. Fees are due in advance, on the 1st of each month, and we accept childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare.
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Yes — your space is held for you regardless of attendance, so fees remain payable even if your child is unwell or away.
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We’re closed on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year, but as your monthly fee is averaged out across the year, fees remain payable on those days.
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If payment isn’t received by the 5th of the month, a £25 late fee is applied. If fees remain unpaid by the 10th, your child may be temporarily unable to attend until the balance is cleared. We’ll always communicate with you before that point.
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Of course — just give us at least 4 weeks’ written notice to reduce sessions. If you’re increasing or changing days, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request depending on availability.
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We allow one delay of up to 4 weeks with no fees due. For longer delays, you can either pay 50% of fees to hold the space or go back on the waiting list.
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We require 4 weeks’ written notice to end your place — or 8 weeks if your child is leaving to start school. If notice isn’t given, a termination fee equal to one or two months’ fees (depending on the reason) will apply.
Leavers Form Click here
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Yes! We accept 15 and 30 hours of government funding. You can choose to stretch your funding across the full year or use it term-time only at selected settings. We offer a range of flexible packages to suit every family (please note, a small daily surcharge may apply depending on your chosen package).
At Muddy Boots, we believe every child should enjoy the same rich experiences, opportunities, and high-quality care during their time with us.
We also understand that every family is different. If you would prefer to opt out of meals, consumables, or certain activities (and the associated charges during funded hours), you’re very welcome to do so. Simply speak with your Nursery Manager or our Admissions Team, and we’ll be happy to talk it through with you.
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You can apply online via Childcare Choices
STILL NEED MORE HELP ?
Here we have tried to answer as many questions as possible relating to enrollment session changes and payments. If you have a specific question that is not covered below please fill out the form.