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Nursery News | Updates | Blogs
Starting Reception: Free Online Resource for Starting School
At Muddy Boots, we support you and your child as they begin the next big step in their educational journey – starting school. As a nursery, we make sure you and your family have all the resources needed to make informed decisions about your child’s educational journey.
Starting Reception is a free, online, government resource, designed to support parents and carers in preparing their child for school – take a look to find out more!
WIN a Day Out With Thomas™ at North Yorkshire Moors Railway
We’re super excited to share that we’re teaming up with our friends at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to celebrate a spectacular week of Thomas & Friends! Our lucky competition winners will get to experience the magic firsthand with a trip on Thomas the Tank Engine, departing from Pickering Railway Station (YO18 7AJ) on May 23rd or 24th.
Like, Comment & Share our Facebook Post for Your Chance to WIN!
We’re Nominated for Employer of the Year!
We’re super excited to share that Muddy Boots is a FINALIST for Employer of the Year at the York Works Business Awards 2026! This nomination reflects the heart of what makes Muddy Boots truly special; our incredible team. From the high quality care they give to children and families, to the way they support one another, this recognition is really for them.
VOTING CLOSES 31st May
School Holidays with Pioneers
Who doesn’t love a holiday ? Slowing down, spending time with family, making memories… it’s what we all look forward to. But the reality of school holidays can feel a bit different, especially the long six-week summer break. That’s exactly why we created Pioneers at Muddy Boots…
Tips for Managing Emotions
Managing feelings is an essential skill for children to develop as it helps them navigate through various emotions and cope with a variety of situations. In this blog, we’ll be sharing some of our top tips for helping children to manage their feelings effectively, and what that looks like at Muddy Boots.
Getting Your Child ‘School Ready’
A recent survey by Kindred Squared (2026) shows that 37% children are not starting reception ‘school ready’. At Muddy Boots, we’re PROUD of our preschool! Our passionate teams work hard to get your child ready for school, following the EYFS statutory framework in a nurturing, nature based environment.
Nurturing Confident, School-Ready Children In A Nature-Led Environment
Starting school is a huge milestone, not just for children, but for parents too. In our nature-led settings, we believe children learn best when they feel safe, confident, and inspired. With us, you’re choosing more than just a setting; you’re choosing a supportive, thoughtful environment that truly understands how to prepare children for school without taking away the joy of childhood.
Day in the Life of an Area Manager
No two days are ever the same as an Area Manager at Muddy Boots, and that’s exactly what makes the role so rewarding. Seeing children flourish, teams grow and families feel confident in the care we provide is what makes this role so special. Every day I’m reminded that the work we do in early years truly shapes the future and I feel incredibly proud to be part of that journey.
Unexpected Childcare Needs: When Things Don’t Go to Plan
Running a business and leading a team is incredibly rewarding, but life doesn’t always stick to the plan, especially when you have young children. At Muddy Boots, we pride ourselves on being responsive, understanding and flexible, working closely with families to find practical solutions. Because when family can’t step in, maybe we can.
Muddy Boots Goes Solar! Supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Muddy Boots Nurseries Go Solar with Support from West Yorkshire Combined Authority! This huge milestone completes our plan to install solar panels at all of our nursery sites, and marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Muddy Boots Morley Raised £1,126 for The Brain Tumour Charity
Muddy Boots Nursery Proudly Donates £1,126.68 to The Brain Tumour Charity! This amazing donation represents the combined efforts of our children, families, staff and wider community at Muddy Boots Morley, and we couldn’t be happier to share this exciting news!
Let’s Talk Government Funded Childcare
On average 26% of parents are on a waitlist for childcare. If you’re a working parent, do you know how the 15-hour and 30-hour childcare funding works and what you could be claiming? You might be entitled to more childcare funding than you realise.
Settling Your Baby into Nursery with Muddy Boots
Starting Nursery is a big milestone for babies and their families. One of the best ways we can support a smooth transition into nursery is by getting to know your baby as an individual. In this blog, we’ll be sharing some tips on how you can help settle your baby into nursery life at Muddy Boots by working with staff as they get to know your child.
Toilet Training at Muddy Boots Nurseries
At Muddy Boots, we believe toilet training should be a positive, gentle, and child-led journey - never rushed, and always supported. We work closely with parents to make sure every child feels confident and ready. Find out more about how we work with parents to train their little ones, as well as some Muddy Boots Top Tips on toilet training.
Mealtimes at Muddy Boots
At Muddy Boots, we know mealtimes are incredibly important in setting the foundations for a healthy relationship with food. Our chefs are passionate about preparing homemade, nutritious food that encourages children to try new foods while still enjoying their favourites. From hearty breakfasts to healthy teas, we’ve got growing tummies well-fed and happy!
NEWS: Acomb Have Joined the Bookstart Scheme!
We’re really excited to share that or Acomb setting have recently joined the fabulous Bookstart Scheme!
Bookstart is a national initiative in England and Wales, providing free books to children up to 5 years old. Take a sneak peak at what’s inside…
Great Parks and Green Spaces: Free Days Out in Leeds
Looking for your next free day out in Leeds? Whether you stay local or travel somewhere further afield, we want our families to get outside as much as possible! Here you' can discover some new places to visit, or maybe find some old favourites, for your next family adventure.
Christmas with the National Trust
At Muddy Boots, we want you to feel able to enjoy the holiday season, no matter how you celebrate. As an outdoor focused nursery, we know how important it is to get outdoors for a little bit of mindfulness during these somewhat hectic times. Read more to find out about the different festive events happening across Yorkshire this Christmas.
Winter Adventures With the National Trust
As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer, it’s often very common for people to spend less time outdoors. In this blog, we’re looking at some family-friendly activities run by different National Trust Locations during the Autumn and Winter months, to encourage you and your little ones to get outdoors! From woodland trails and orienteering, to craft workshops and activities, there’s so much to discover! Here’s a little taste of what’s on over the next couple of months.
National Nursery Practitioner Day 2025
Our fantastic team of practitioners make Muddy Boots what you see today, and we couldn’t do what we do without them! Celebrate National Nursery Practitioner Day with us by reading about all the amazing work they do, and sharing what you love about our teams on Famly and our social media.