Dream childcare careers
at Muddy Boots Nurseries

Finding an early-years career you love can be tough

Group of six people jumping in front of 'Muddy Boots Nursery' sign on a brick building.

In fact, it’s really easy to end up settling for second best, getting through your 9-5 in a workplace where you feel undervalued and not able to use your unique strengths to make a difference, just to earn your wage and get to the weekend

At Muddy Boots, we believe the key to a happy nursery is a happy team

We strongly believe that the key to a happy nursery is a happy team. A team full of people from all walks of life who are highly valued, well-known as individuals, and encouraged to bring their uniqueness to deliver outstanding childcare every day.

Through tight-knit teams, regular feedback through 1:1s and peer observations, weekly happiness meetings, and much more, we work hard to ensure that people love working at Muddy Boots, feel able to talk about what matters, and have plenty of opportunities to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Helping families to give their children their best start in life is at the heart of everything we do, and we couldn’t do it without our outstanding team.

Smiling woman in red shirt interacting with child indoors.

What Our Teams Say

“I enjoy working at Muddy Boots as every day is different and fun. Being able to play a small part in a child’s journey is a privilege, watching their confidence grow and their personality develop is amazing to see. Witnessing the small moments throughout the day where you know your words have made a positive impact is so humbling and satisfying. As a member of staff, I feel supported and listened to. I have made such great friendships while working here, and some that span beyond just the working environment.”

— Jade Hirst, Muddy Boots Drighlington

“I enjoy being a practitioner at Muddy Boots because no two days are the same, we can be creative and provide a wide range of activities for the children. I also like that we work closely with the parents and are able to form good relationships with them and the children. Finally I enjoy watching the children learn and grow and have an impact on them achieving their milestones.”

— Ellie Wadsworth, Muddy Boots Stamford Bridge

“I genuinely enjoy being a nursery manager. What I find most rewarding is seeing the children learn and develop in our care. It's incredibly fulfilling to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where they can learn, play, and grow. I also value the opportunity to lead and support our dedicated team of educators, helping them to excel in their roles and make a real difference in the lives of the children and their families”

— Natasha Smith, Muddy Boots Gildersome Nursery Manager

What’s it like to work at Muddy Boots?

“Muddy Boots is a great place to work, the staff team make you feel welcome and part of the team from day one. The management team are supportive and ensure that you are always a priority. Seeing the children learn, grow and develop each day is so rewarding.”

Perks, pay & benefits

We believe our team is world-class, and truly gives Muddy Boots its magic. As a result, we are proud to offer sector-leading pay, as well as a huge amount of perks and benefits

Industry Leading Pay

Our team are the best in the industry, so we make sure they are paid that way, by ensuring all our roles receiving an hourly rate which is within the top 10% in the sector.

Access to our training fund

Anyone interested in furthering their skills or following a childcare passion – we encourage and pay for access to relevant courses and training opportunities, including Level 3-6 childcare qualifications.

Staff Discount

We are all about family… especially yours! If you have a little one yourself, we discount their nursery place (by 40%-60%) so they can come to work with you without the full financial pressure.

Extra Holiday Days

We believe time off is essential, so ensure all our team have ample holiday days to enjoy (5.6 weeks holiday per year). We also reward long-standing team members with extra holiday days - starting at 2 years served.

Our EAP Programme

We have just added an amazing Employee Assistance Programme to team perks, which gives every team member access to a massive amount of help with physical & mental health.

Emergency Childcare

As far as availability allows, we offer all our team members with nursery-aged children 5 back-up childcare days in our nurseries, to be used for an emergency or unavoidable appointment

This is What Job Satisfaction Sounds Like

“Being a qualified early years educator for 21 years has certainly been a journey. Lots of memories, adventures, and achievements made. Not just for myself, but for all the children I have helped to nurture, teach, and thrive to their best potential. It's a great feeling to know you have made a positive impact on a child's development, especially during their crucial formative years.”

— Laura Hewitt, Muddy Boots Drighlington

“Being a nursery practitioner is so special. Being children's safe space when they are away from their parents, giving endless cuddles, watching them grow, being so proud of them when they learn new things and being a part of that journey. Seeing each individual child's unique personalities develop and blossom. The special bonds we make with children and families. It is not always easy and there is certainly challenges but seeing them smile and enjoy their days really makes you remember why you love it so much.”

— Laura Cooper, Muddy Boots Morley

“Working at Muddy Boots genuinely means a lot to me. From day one, I’ve felt like my thoughts and ideas truly matter. Management always takes the time to listen and support us, which creates such a positive and encouraging environment. What I love most is that no two days are ever the same. There’s always something new and exciting happening, and I really thrive in that kind of environment. It keeps me motivated, inspired, and constantly learning.”

— Sian Bateson, Muddy Boots Drighlington

Our Recruitment Process

  • You send in your application

    The first stage is applying via Indeed using any Apply Now button. Once we receive your application, our team will be in touch within 48 hours to book your interview (which will be within 7 days)

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  • You come in for an interview

    The next step is your interview, where you will come to the setting for a tour, a sit-down interview with the setting management team, as well as deliver an activity of your choice in one of our outdoor spaces

    Person wearing a red shirt playing with a child, holding building block, smiling and looking down, indoors
  • You join the team

    After your interview, our team will be in touch within 48 hours to let you know if you have been successful. If you have, your start date will be booked and you can get ready to start a career at Muddy Boots!

    Woman in red shirt playing with child, holding building block, smiling, indoors.