Essential for Safety and Fun
To ensure your child enjoys Forest School safely and comfortably, they need the right clothing. Forest School happens in almost all weathers, so children must be dressed to stay warm, dry, and protected. Please remember: Forest School clothes will get muddy, smoky, and potentially snagged. Please do not send your child in their best clothes!
The Golden Rule: Arms and Legs Covered For safety reasons, all children must wear long trousers and long-sleeved tops all year round, even in summer. This protects them from scratches, stinging nettles, insect bites, and sunburn.
Wellington Boots or Walking Boots: Children must wear sturdy, waterproof boots.
STRICTLY NO HANDLES: Please do not send your child in wellies that have handles at the top. These are a serious safety hazard in the woods as they catch on low branches and brambles, causing trips and falls.
NO Trainers or School Shoes: These provide poor grip on slippery/muddy terrain and will get ruined. Children wearing unsuitable footwear may not be able to take part in the session.
Loan Boots: We have a very limited supply of spare wellies for emergencies. We cannot guarantee that we will have your child's size available, so please ensure they have their own kit.
Top: Long-sleeved T-shirt, jumper, or hoodie. (No short sleeves).
Bottoms: Long trousers, such as jogging bottoms, hiking trousers, or jeans.
NO Leggings or Base Layers: These are not permitted as a main outer layer. They are too thin to protect against stings, scratches, and bites. They may be worn underneath trousers as an extra thermal layer, but never on their own.
Water Bottle: Named and ready to be filled.
Warmth: Several layers (base layer, fleece, jumper). Thermal socks are a great idea.
Outerwear: Waterproof coat and waterproof over-trousers.
Accessories: Warm hat, gloves, and a scarf (tucked in).
Protection: Sun hat and sun cream (applied before school).
Clothing: Light, long-sleeved tops and light trousers to stay cool but covered.
We insist on long sleeves and trousers to protect children from Lyme Disease, a bacterial infection spread by ticks found in woodland and long grass. Covering skin significantly reduces the risk of a tick bite.
We understand that buying extra outdoor gear can be expensive. We have a limited stock of spare wellies, coats, and waterproofs available to loan.
If you are struggling to equip your child, please do not worry. Simply contact the school office or fill in the form below, and we will do our best to help.
Please contact me if you would like to borrow any of the Forest School kit we have available at the school.
Please label everything!
We try our best to return lost items, but unlabelled muddy boots all look very similar.