Kids

Forres Sandle Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire

Lots to love about this co-ed prep day and boarding school on the Hants/Dorset border, with its leafy New Forest setting and nurturing family vibe
December is on – and we’ve found the hottest tickets in town

Jingle all the way to Christmas Day with illuminations, celebs, skating, panto dames and special appearances from the guy in red
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.
The Portsmouth Grammar School, Portsmouth

A historic through-school in the heart of the city, Portsmouth Grammar School’s individualised approach nurtures high-achievers
Alton School, Alton

Educating all age groups, from babies to sixth formers, this leafy Catholic school in Alton, East Hampshire, has a new Headmaster and ambitious plans for the future
6 family-friendly walks to explore this half term

Short of fresh air and vitamin D since the clocks went back? Round-up the little (and big) ones and give it some welly with these child-friendly walks around the county
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.
Churcher’s College Junior School and Nursery, Liphook

Muddy says: The gateway to the famous co-ed senior school, Churcher’s Junior School has nurturing staff, a good all-round curriculum and popular extra-curricular activities, with bags of space to play and learn
October half term saviours

Half term's looming but don't be afraid - we've sorted the fun with 16 brilliant things to do in Hants and the Isle of Wight to keep the little people entertained.
Stroud School, Romsey

With its focus on outdoor learning and a wholesome approach to education, non-selective co-ed prep Stroud School has a family feel that both parents and pupils will love.
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.
St Swithun’s Prep, Winchester

This prep and pre-prep just outside the city centre has a great academic record, but the focus on pastoral care, positive relationships and unique extra-curricular activities means the overall approach is well-rounded.
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.
How to keep kids learning in lockdown

It’s tricky enough for adults to stay motivated right now, but how on earth do you keep your kids positive, bright and ready to learn? The Headmaster of Embley in Romsey gives some great advice.
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!