The Muddy Boots family is not only made up of our team, the children and their families but also two small furry animals – Charlie and Lola (Named by our wonderful children themselves!). Charlie and Lola are nurseries guinea pigs who are very loved by all our children from the baby rooms right through to Pre-School.

Charlie and Lola bring the children lots of joy and they are always excited to see them (The guinea pigs often let out several squeaks during the day to let us know they are around too!) but interacting with and learning about Charlie and Lola also allows our children the opportunity to learn in a much deeper and richer way.

By been able to care for Charlie and Lola, this helps the children to develop many skills linked to the areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage including aspects in Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Understanding the World. As well as these Charlie and Lola, also help to increase our little ones self esteem, the love and attention given towards the children by Charlie and Lola often makes them feel pretty special!

Since having the guineas, the children have also developed an understanding of ‘responsibility’ particularly in our older rooms. The children have a fantastic time observing Charlie and Lola, helping to clean them, talking to them and ensuring they have plenty of food and water (Even if the food is sometimes not quite guinea pig friendly i.e. pasta and oats!).

We would love to see and hear about your ‘additional’ family members at your homes!

Rach 

Muddy Boots Poppleton Nursery Manager