FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions from parents, please have a read through these before you contact us with a query as the answer may be below.
How do I sign up?
To register your interest in joining us email admin@muddybootsdevon.co.uk or call us 01237 420736
Is there a minimum attendance requirement?
In order to give children the best learning opportunities and the quickest settling in process we ask for a minimum of 2 days attendance per week.
Can I visit the Pre-school?
Before joining Muddy Boots, we encourage all parents to come and visit us by arrangement. Please email admin@muddybootsdevon.co.uk
How does the waiting list work?
Our waiting lists operate on a first-come, first-served basis with places allocated depending on the children who are leaving and the days requested/availability. We need to ensure that we have the correct number of two, three and four-year-olds in accordance of staff:child ratio's.
When do places come available?
Our only intake in in September. From time to time places do open up mid-term and in these situations we will offer a place to the next child on the waiting list.
What kit does my child need for outdoor play?
Muddy Boots suggested clothes list
· Woolly hat/sun hat
· Gloves
· Jacket/waterproof coat
· Fleece/sweatshirt with long sleeves
· Long trousers (& waterproof if possible)
· Spare socks and trousers
· Waterproof shoes/wellies/boots
· A carrier bag for dirty/wet clothing
. A large bag to carry everything, we find a big 'bag for life' is ideal.
What do you do when it rains and is cold?
Play!! Remaining warm and dry is the most important element to create happiness and creative play regardless of the weather, we're strong believers in the ethos of dressing the children correctly to tackle most weather conditions. As long as children have good outdoor clothing, the weather conditions are safe and their hands are warm, they should not be distracted from happy play outdoors.
What about severe storms?
If the weather is assessed as being dangerous, our Forest School qualified practitioners will make a decision and return to our woodland cabin.
In case of weather warnings, we take advice from Devon County Council, and in accordance with our own risk assessment.
What happens in case of an accident?
We have policies and procedures we will follow incase of an accident. All our staff are paediatric first aid trained to a high level.
What about toileting?
We have a disabled toilet facility as well as child sized toilets within the cabin with child friendly hand washing facilities. We have a nappy changing area for the children that haven't quite mastered toilets. Toilet training will be encouraged at all times with advice from parents and carers. We ask parents to provide nappies and wipes accordingly.
Is there any parking available?
There are 8 parking spaces. There is secured access to the cabin is up some steps and along a short pathway through the woodland area.
What do you feed my children?
We see a big part of our role in our children’s lives is to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle. An essential element of this is providing nutritious, energy giving snacks. We request parents/carers supply healthy packed lunches. Breakfast and a snack tea will be provided for before and after school club. We change our choices seasonally to allow us to enjoy the best ingredients available to us.
We provide cooking activities most days, which is then eaten at afternoon snack. We also cook food and share food around the campfire. We use produce from our Muddy Boots garden and polytunnel, depending on season.
What about holiday clubs?
Holiday club is available for two to eight-year-olds. Priority booking is offered to nursery families. The provision runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays throughout all holidays excluding Christmas.
Have more questions?
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us here and we will be happy to help.