We are proud to be the first outdoors Pre-School in North Bristol and we will be outdoors in all weathers.  To ensure that children are comfortable and prepared, please ensure your children come in with a backpack (suitable for outdoors), a water bottle and any spare clothing.  This should all be named and extra layers are advisable in winter in case of fluctuations in temperature.  In summer when appropriate we ask you to apply a first layer of sunscreen before you drop your child off, and also provide a named sunscreen in their bag. We will then apply every 3-4 hours or as required. Below are some guidelines for what to wear during the different seasons:

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SPRING/AUTUMN

• Waterproofs provided for enrolled children by Little Foxes.

• One pair of comfortable trousers (jogging bottoms or leggings)

• One long sleeved t-shirt or top

• One thick jumper

• One fleecy zip up jacket (in the backpack, just in case)

• Two pairs of socks. On the bottom, one thin cotton sock, and the top, a thick wool or fluffy bed sock

• Wellies or sturdy closed toe shoes (which you don't mind getting wet and muddy!)

• Spare trousers & socks in backpacks (more than one set of each plus underwear if toilet training)

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summer

• Waterproofs provided for enrolled children by Little Foxes

• One pair of comfortable trousers (jogging bottoms or leggings)

• One t-shirt, light long sleeved t-shirt

• One fleecy zip up jacket  (in a backpack just in case)

• One pair of socks

• Wellies or sturdy closed toe shoes (which you don't mind getting wet and muddy!)

• A sun hat for sunny days

• Spare trousers & socks in backpacks (more than one set of each plus underwear if toilet training)

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winter

• Waterproofs provided for enrolled children by Little Foxes

• Base layers - thermal vest and thermal long-sleeved top, long johns

• Next bottom layer - fleece or other warm tracksuit bottoms

• Second top layer - thin jumper/ski top

• Third top layer - fleece/wool jumper 

• Forth top layer - fleece zippy/jacket 

• Fifth top layer - warm coat/jacket

• Neck scarf

• Hat and gloves (plenty of spares to be packed in backpack)

• Socks. Two pairs to wear (on the bottom, one thin cotton sock, and the top, a thick wool or fluffy bed sock) and two spare pairs to be packed in the backpack

• Extra jumpers to be packed in backpack for really cold days

• Snow boots or sturdy warm outdoor boots

 

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION

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Watch below as one of our Little Foxes demonstrates the layers to wear at Forest School during cold days:

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OUR CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS

 

FEET

Our footwear recommendation for autumn and winter are fleece lined wellies.  The best ones we've found to date are Melton Thermal Boots.  These have been increasingly hard to find in recent months.  There are also some good recommendations on the Little Adventure Shop website for thermal boots.  We also recommend Dirt Boots available from amazon.  We like boots to provide warmth to -10 degrees minimum and have the benefit of being flexible to allow children to still climb trees and run with ease.

 

headwear

A good hat is a must and we'd recommend any good quality woolly hats that reach over the ears.  We also recommend children use their jacket hoods on occasional wet days.

 

hands

We recommend a multipack of woollen gloves such as these, available to buy online from H&M.  Whilst other gloves are warmer, we find bulkier gloves can restrict movement and children are not so keen to play in them.  On really cold days, fleece mittens on top of the woollen gloves will help keep the children's hands extra warm.

 

Thermals and underlayers

During winter having a good quality thermal base layer is essential.  We are often asked which ones we recommend and these merino wool ones get our vote.  Marks and Spencer also do good thermals in store and online. For fleece trousers to go underneath the children's outerwear Didriksons do some good quality ones you can see on the link. When they stock them Lidl also do good merino wool thermal layers and socks.

 

Kid's backpacks

When we walk across to our forest site the children are encouraged to carry their own bag to foster independence.  A good quality backpack that protects their belongings inside from the elements is essential.  A strap on the back helps to stop it feeling heavy for the children too.  Jack Wolfskin is our favourite make for access, practicality and durability. 

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discounts for friends of little foxes

 

Our friends at The Little Adventure Shop who stock our Didriksons Slaskeman Waterproof suits have kindly given us a 10% discount code.  Enter 'littlefoxes10' at the checkout to claim it.

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 Little Trekkers have also given us a 15% discount code.  Enter "FOXES15" at the checkout to redeem it. 

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Finally... it can be expensive getting all the kit together for forest school.  If your child is eligible for funding please speak to the team as we can help out with providing kit in some circumstances.  We also have a 'Little Foxes Forest School Parents Group' on facebook where it might be possible to grab a second hand bargain.