Dressing for outdoor learning
Winter
Note 1 – Children seem particularly vulnerable to cold hands, feet and heads
Note 2 – It is easy to remove layers if the children get hot, but we cannot warm them up if they are cold to begin with.
Feet
Walking boots or snow boots are the warmest options for the children’s feet. However, Wellington boots will keep their feet reasonably warm if they are not too small (please check this) so that there is room inside to wear at least two pairs of socks, a fleecy welly sock is a good option.
Hands
Hands need gloves, warm waterproof ones are best. Wet gloves are very cold to wear. Young children are less likely to lose them if they are attached to a long elastic or string which can be threaded through their coat sleeves. Please encourage your children to keep their gloves dry if they aren’t waterproof.
Body
A warm/ waterproof coat.
Underneath their coat, three layers of clothing over their body. At least one layer should be of fleecy type material as this traps pockets of air which warm up and then insulate the child from the cold.
Waterproof leggings (we do have a supply of these for younger children).
Two warm layers under the leggings. Jeans are very cold, jogging bottoms and corduroy trousers are better options, ski underwear or thermal underwear under these trousers is also recommended in very cold conditions.
Head
A comfortable hat which is lined to keep out the wind. Again if it can be attached with a string so that the child doesn’t have to keep putting it into a pocket so much the better.
Summer
Layers
Layers of light clothing that cover arms and legs (shorts and short sleeved tee-shirts are not suitable as there are a number of spiky plants and stinging nettles in the woods).
A number of layers are useful, if the children become too hot they can easily be removed and put back on if they begin to feel cold.
Body
A light waterproof jacket (we can provide this for Reception children if necessary).
Feet
Footwear: trainers or walking type boots/shoes, socks that cover the ankles are important to protect from nettles and thistles.
Please note Wellington boots are very uncomfortable when the weather is warm.
Sun
On particularly sunny days a sun hat with a brim or flaps that protects the face and the back of neck is advisable. Our wood is fairly shady but there are open areas the children can explore. You may also like to apply sun-protection cream on sunny days before your child comes to school