Kids

Day at the beach, anyone?

The sun's making an appearance this weekend (at long last) so we're thinking impromptu, socially-distanced daytrip to the coast. Who's in?
Dragon School, Oxford

One of the biggest co-ed boarding schools in the UK, the Dragon in the centre of Oxford roars with its results and its A-list alumni
Thorpe House School, Gerrards Cross

Muddy says: A small, friendly day school for boys aged 3-16 between Gerrard's Cross and Chalfont St Peter, set in 7 stunning acres and high on inclusivity.
School work through the summer hols?

Summer holidays usually mean relaxation for kids - but this year many will be catching up on school work. We've asked leading local prep school Maltman's Green on how to help them keep on keeping on.
d’Overbroeck’s, Oxford

d'Overbroeck's in Oxford has a first name policy, progressive curriculum, a dedicated Sixth Form campus and a whole clutch of brilliant results. Impressed.
Lessons learnt from lockdown teaching

Schools have had to adapt to a brave new world of online learning - but now what? Helen Pike, Master at Magdalen College School, Oxford on the challenges of blending the tech and the teaching come September.
Splash! 9 outdoor swimming spots

It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes! Now dive into our guide to the best open water swimming locations in Bucks and Oxon. Just kindly refrain from bombing, running or petting please.
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 […]
Maltman’s Green School

Muddy says: Formidable facilities with a particular strength in gymnastics make up this effective 12 acre non-selective girls' day school in leafy Gerrards Cross.
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.
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.
Headington School, Oxford

This smart, selective all-girls' day school is a stone's throw from Oxford city centre, and offers the option to board as well as more facilities than you can shake a stick at.
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!
Back-to-school essentials

Holidays nearly over? Oh, what a *shame*! Sort your kids with our pick of everything they need for the new school term - and then it's a party round at mine.
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!