






Our Story So Far…
In 2011, I (Anna) found myself running 3 weekly Parent and Toddler Groups in Acomb, where I thoroughly enjoyed meeting families from all walks of life. The groups were thriving, but talking to these families, it soon became apparent that there was a real need for great childcare in the area.
Andy & I were approached by the owners of a small Pre-School, who had opened in Poppleton Business Park but after a few months had decided it wasn’t for them. They were looking for someone to take on their business and it was an opportunity we just didn’t want to miss. As a relatively newly married couple, with no serious career commitments and not a lot to lose, we decided to take on the Pre-School and after a LOT of hard work, planning and preparation, we relocated and opened our doors as Muddy Boots Nursery at the old Manor School in January 2012.
Starting with only a few children, we worked tirelessly to build the nursery up to a full and thriving setting, developing the staff team and striving to keep improving, sometimes against the odds (anyone remember the catastrophic fire in 2015?)
After 5 fantastic years in the old Manor School, it was time to move on and so after a long search for the perfect site, we secured the current setting on Boroughbridge Road, soon to be known as ‘Muddy Boots Poppleton’. Here we are fantastically lucky to have around 9 acres of land, where we have converted an old barn and stables to the custom designed, well-loved nursery building you see today!
Then, in 2018, the opportunity arose to take on a nearby setting in the grounds of Westfield School. The building had been purpose-built but needed a bit of TLC – we could not resist. After a complete renovation, we now have a second Muddy Boots site, including a fantastic Pioneers Out-of-School Club (we promise it’s a coincidence that our eldest had just started primary school!)
We have a vision for a dynamic, full-of-life, standard-setting nursery with a positive, family-feel, where children are genuinely loved as individuals. We believe in the best for every child, and that every child should be given the opportunity to flourish into their full potential. The name ‘Muddy Boots’ really sums up our whole ethos – to not be afraid to let children learn by getting muddy, exploring, going on adventures and getting out there and having a go!
Anna Nimmo – Muddy Boots Owner
Anna is qualified to Level 6 with Early Years Teacher Status and uses her qualification to keep inspiring the teams to foster an amazing educational experience for every child in the settings.
Andy Nimmo – Muddy Boots Owner
Andy is business-minded, having recently completed the prestigious Goldman Sachs ‘10,000 Small Businesses’ Programme. He focuses on training Leaders in Muddy Boots, casting vision to the team, and making sure the finances are all held together!
Muddy Boots – From an empty old school to a thriving nursery and preschool
Lots of fun and hard work have made Muddy Boots what it is today – these pictures show the journey of the nursery so far. A huge thank you to our family and friends who have helped us along the way!
You can now book a Show Round at either Muddy Boots site directly through our website! Click book now and pay us a visit soon… we can’t wait to meet you!
Book a Show Round now!What our parents say…
-
We love Muddy Boots! From our very first visit all the staff have been very helpful, friendly and it is clear to see that they love their job and are so committed to each individual child and their development. We love that the kids are involved in the decision making on what they shall do and can just be kids. We’d recommend Muddy Boots to anyone, our daughter is very happy there and so are we.
Sandra B , Parent -
We love Muddy Boots- it has a wonderful, informal and happy atmosphere. The staff are so helpful and my son loves every minute of his time there. No fussing, no bureaucracy, happy kids and staff having fun. I would recommend this nursery to anyone who wants tired but happy kids at the end of the day, who want their kids to have some exercise and fresh air and don’t mind them coming home muddy. We also love the fact that the staff are so happy and clearly enjoy their jobs, are interested in the kids and their development and are motivated and enthused by their work.
Alex, Parent -
Muddy Boots has a very relaxed yet focussed atmosphere. The staff are very supportive and approachable to children and parents. You feel able to discuss any issues your child may have as well as any preferences you would prefer the staff to facilitate. My daughter settled very quickly and she already has very settled and positive routine she carries out each week.
Kate H, Parent -
The care that is given to our son is outstanding. His learning is very individual and incorporates his interest at any one particular time. The staff are very knowledgeable and always very helpful. I would have no hesitation in recommending Muddy Boots Nursery to anyone.
Dan G, Parent -
“You have been amazing in what you have done for Niamh, despite her only attending one day per week. She is an independent young lady who settles really well with other people and absolutely loves coming each week. We cannot thank you enough.”
Jo, Parent -
Really happy with Muddy Boots. My lad always so excited to go every day. Staff always very helpful and friendly and comes home with lots of things he has done, like cooking and making things. He really loves the staff there and talks about them all the time at home. Cant recommend enough.
Ste, Parent -
My son had been going to Muddy Boots for a couple of months and he has fitted in so well, mainly due to the staff. Without sounding cheesy it really has the feel of it being a home from home. He always has lots of fun and really has come on leaps and bounds in his development since joining. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Katie E, Parent -
Friendly staff, a safe environment and a wealth of resources have made this nursery the perfect choice for our daughter. She is very happy there and her development has progressed rapidly since she started there. We are particularly impressed by the nursery’s reporting procedures and look forward to reading her learning journal. We are always told what she has been doing during the day and it is obvious that the staff make every effort to get to know the children really well. This shows by how happy our little girl is when we take her in on a morning. We love that the children are encouraged to be outside as much as possible!
Sarah S, Parent