Kids

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.
The Beacon School, Amersham

The largest single sex prep school in the UK, The Beacon still has an impressively inclusive, family feel to it, with a focus on pastoral care and turning out well-rounded boys.
Chandlings School, Bagley Wood, Oxford

Muddy says: A warm, friendly prep school just outside Oxford, set in 60 lovely acres of land. A hidden gem amongst Oxford's more shouty preps - but for how long?
The Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon

Check out my update on this highly-regarded day school in Abingdon with fantastic ISI reports (excellent across the board) for kids 2-11 years old.
St Clare’s, Oxford

Muddy says: A collegiate-style day and boarding school for 14-19 year olds in central Oxford, with a huge international intake (40 nationalities!), a sole focus on International Baccalaureate and strong results.
Moulsford School, Moulsford

Muddy says: A highly-regarded boy’s prep school in South Oxon in a stonkingly lovely setting on the Thames, with a strong reputation for sport and extracurricular activities.
How to help your child nail exam revision

Mocks exams are coming up and this year, they could be rather vital in determining final grades. Want your kid to get some revision advice? Well, look no further.
Tudor Hall, Banbury, North Oxon

Muddy says: An small, friendly girl’s secondary boarding/ day school in North Oxon in a beautiful location, there's a welcome emphasis on 'joining in' and good manners.
Magdalen College School, Oxford

Muddy says: An academically outstanding day school for boys 11-18 years and girls 16-18 years in the centre of Oxford.
Carrdus School, near Banbury, Oxon

Muddy says: A small, intimate, 'family' oriented prep school, Carrdus School near Banbury is a good option for those who resolutely don't want to hot-house their kids.
Headington Prep School, Oxford

A stone's throw from Oxford city centre, Headington Prep is a smart, selective, bijoux all-girls' school that handily feeds into the super-popular Senior school across the road.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 […]
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.
To school or not to school?

It's the dilemma that's dividing the nation - is it safe to send our children back to school on Monday? Two Muddy editors, one pro and one against, explain why they've made their personal decision.
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!