What should we wear?
Please all dress (parents too) in weather appropriate clothing that you are happy to get dirty. We will be getting wet, muddy and using paint, glue, and other materials, so please wear old clothes. Puddlesuits, layers and wellies are great on rainy and chilly days – checkout Vinted, Facebook etc for green bargains.
The hot chocolate helps with the chill ☕️🍫🥰and on Mondays we come inside the hall at storytime to warm up.
Remember hats, suncream and a water bottle on hotter days 🙂
What age are the playdates suitable for? And what about brothers & sisters?
Our Sunday & Monday morning playdates are aimed primarily at toddlers up to 7 year olds Of course, we skew to under-5s on term-time weekday mornings, but home-schooling families are always welcome and I’ll make sure the activities are age appropriate for all. I am a BIG believer in bringing together mixed ages of children to play and learn together.
Younger babies and older children are always very welcome, if you think they’d enjoy it. Activities are tailored to age and stage, e.g. we have different versions of scavenger hunts available, and different crafting options informed by child development.
Siblings under 1 are free with any other child ticket 👶. Significantly discounted sibling tickets are also available. All booking is via Happity.
CURRENTLY ON HOLD – Our new Parent and Baby Groups are for those with little ones under 18 months. Unfortunately we can’t accommodate older siblings at these groups, as they are also intended as a space for open discussion about the highs and lows of parenting 👩🍼🍁👨🍼🍂🤱🐛
It’s raining and/or cold, will the session be cancelled and will I get a refund?🌦
Tickets are non-refundable unless the session is cancelled by Mudder Earth.
At Grangewood Park, we have a trusty Giant Pine that we have sheltered under throughout the winter rain and it is surprisingly effective. I bring extra rain shelter when needed.
At our NEW St John’s site we have the option to move more of the session into the hall, as needed. We’ll always have a significant element outside in nature when it is safe to do so, so please do bring waterproofs, boots, layers, etc.
Baby groups are seasonal and will run May to September only, as is also the case for our fully outdoor birthday parties for all ages.
For toddlers and above, we play outside in (almost) all weathers. Sessions will only be cancelled if weather conditions are deemed to be unsafe for outdoor play in accordance with Met Office guidance, e.g. in electrical storms or other Sever Weather Warnings.
We conduct regular risks assessments, including forecast reviews and mitigate risks appropriately as needed, e.g. in cases of moderate winds it may be necessary to move to a less wooded area within the same grounds/park or another local site. We’ll keep you updated via SMS Text and WhatsApp in these cases. 🌩
My child or I have extra needs. How is accessibility considered?
All families are welcome at Mudder Earth playdates. We aim to be an inclusive environment. If we can do something to help your family access and enjoy the session more easily, feel free to drop Alice a message on WhatsApp beforehand – link in footer👇.
Our South Norwood Lakes site (Spring/Summer Monday playdates + Wednesday Nature Playgroups) is accessible for wheelchairs. Although unfortunately the accessible toiler is on the other side of the park. Please make a note of wheelchair access requirements when booking and I’ll ensure I factor this into any ‘quests’ I have planned around the park, as we have lots of accessible options to choose from here 🙂
Unfortunately, the terrain can get quite uneven in poor weather at Grangewood Park, so please contact me ahead of the specific playdate and I’ll advise on whether it is currently accessible by wheelchair with some assistance.
The site at St John’s is accessible by wheelchair, but some assistance may be needed on the grassy areas, depending on weather and individual’s support needs.
Toilets
No toilets at Grangewood Park 💩There are currently no public toilets at this site. Sorry for the inconvenience. I continue to pester Croydon Counctil to try and hire access to the Bowling Green Building, which does have working toilets.
At our NEW St John’s site, we have hired access to two inside toilets
At South Norwood Lakes you can use the toilets in the Lovely Lakes Cafe if you buy something – sadly the council has shut the public toilets here too.
Can I drop my child off at one of your playdates?
No. Mudder Earth playdates are for little ones and their grown ups to play, discover and create together. Adults remain responsible for their children throughout, regardless of their age 👩👦👦. We have a maximum ratio of three children per adult at all our playdates. The exception to this being registered childminders who are very welcome to attend with their usual group ratio under their care, according to EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders. Our more affordable Nature Playgroup (currently spring/summer only) has great childminder discounts.
Our adult:child ratios are different for birthday parties. Please get in touch via WhatsApp (link below) to find out more.
Wheelchairs, pushchairs, scooters, etc 🛴
Pushchairs, along with scooters, bikes etc can be parked on site where you’ll be able to see them throughout playdates.
Mudder Earth 