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Staying Warm

As we head into the depths of the Winter months and with forecasts of cooler weather ahead, I thought it might be a good time to share with you some of the benefits of being outside in winter, as well as some guidance as to how to dress your children for Woodland School.

As the days get colder and shorter naturally people tend to spend more time inside. Spending time outside with small children becomes more challenging, with more layers of clothing to put on and take off. Some children take time to acclimatise to the cold since in this day and age we are used to central heating and modern vehicles. However, being outside in winter has many benefits to our health and to our education.

Here are a few;

  • On colder, shorter days it is important to be exposed to sunlight to enable the body to manufacture Vitamin D.
  • Being outside in fresh air can minimise the spread of viruses and bacteria.
  • Spending time in nature through Autumn and Winter teaches us about the changing seasons and the world we live in.
  • Children learn about their own bodies, how to keep themselves warm. It teaches responsibility and resilience and teaches children that we can adapt, learn and play in all weather.
  • Winter play encourages whole-body physical activity and it helps to develop self-confidence and independence. Children learn to assess their own risks as the environment around them changes.

“There is no such thing as poor weather, only poor clothing.” Although this underpins our belief at Woodland School, we try to predict the weather the best we can so that we can guide and remind the children as to what is appropriate clothing for the weather. However, if we deem it to be too wet, then appropriate alternate learning will transfer to either a sheltered space or indoors.

In Woodland School, we try to encourage the children to be resilient and embrace the opportunities offered by different weather conditions. However, if the children are not enjoying a session due to the weather then the leader will consider changing the activities and/or finishing early. The children’s well-being is paramount.

The general expectation of uniform for Woodland School is that the children to come into school for their Woodland learning in their Woodland kit. This includes their PE top and blue bottoms. This could be the school joggers or something similar. We require children to have their legs covered for Woodland school since this reduces the risk of Tick bites by making it harder for them to find food if they land on us. We do not have a known problem with Ticks, however, as in all areas of Woodland School, we look to prevent possible problems. In addition to this, the children need a change of shoes, wellies are often sensible, spare socks and spare trousers. This ensures that the children can change into something dry if they get wet.

Below is further guidance on seasonal-specific layers.

Season Clothing Suggestions
Summer

Waterproof trousers

Waterproof coat

A pair of comfortable trousers (jogging bottoms or leggings)

A light short-sleeved t-shirt (PE t-shirt)

School jumper

Socks (bring spare socks)

Wellies (wear trainers into school, wellies in bag on peg)

A sun hat

Wearing sunscreen
Spring/Autumn

Waterproof trousers

Waterproof coat

A pair of comfortable trousers (jogging bottoms or leggings)

A light long-sleeved t-shirt

A thick jumper

Fleecy zip-up jacket

2 pairs of socks (on the bottom, one thin cotton sock, and on the top, a thick wool or fluffy bed sock) (bring spare socks)

Wellies (wear trainers into school, wellies in bag on peg)

Woolly hat
Winter

Waterproof trousers

Waterproof coat

Base layers – thermal top and bottoms

A pair of fleece or warm trousers

First top layer – long sleeve t-shirt

Second top layer – fleece jumper

Third top layer – fleece jacket

Neck warmer / scarf

2 pairs of socks (on the bottom, one thin cotton sock, and on the top, a thick wool or fluffy bed sock) (bring spare socks)

Wellies or snow boots (wear trainers into school, wellies in bag on peg)

Wooly hat and gloves

Other things to consider; 

  • How easily can your child get changed into their Woodland school kit? 
  • Do they know what kit they have been given?
  • Are all items clearly named and in a named carrier bag that will hang on their pegs? 

I hope you find this informative and helpful.