Your Child and the outdoors
Signing your child up to a Forest School nursery is making the decision as a family, that you want to fully embrace an outdoor lifestyle where you strive to enjoy every aspect of the great outdoors.
Enjoying time outdoors isn't just about wearing the right clothes (although it is important) Spending time in all weathers at all times of the year enjoying what nature has to offer is vital if you want your child to grow up with a love of the outdoors:
Its about seeing the magic in the rain drops dripping off the leaves or collecting on the top of a mushroom.
Its being able to laugh when you welly gets stuck in the mud without you.
Its about feeling rain drops on your face as you lie down in the rain.
Its about crunching in icy leaves and smashing the ice that's formed on the muddy puddles.
Its about spotting the robin that's been following the children whilst they dig in the mud.
Its about spotting the first lot of frog spawn in the pond or the first blossom of spring.
Its about spotting and feeling things that people don't always see.
Unfortunately we are finding more and more that children and their parents are spending far less time outdoors and very few spend extended time outside in all weathers.
If you want to prepare your child for their days at 'Into The Ark', please spend time outdoors and embrace all weathers.
Start with hour walks in the woods or parks and gradually build up to half days outside then full days.
Embrace the different weathers and make it part of the fun.
Encourage children to walk once they are able to and not to rely on being carried all the time.
Give your child their own back pack to carry so it fosters a feeling of independence and strength.
Show your enthusiasm for the outdoors even if your not quite so excited about a walk in the rain.
If you have phobias of bugs or mud try not to pass this onto your child.
Make sure you are all dressed for the weather, no one enjoys being outdoors if they are cold and wet.
Doing these things with your child before they start at 'Into The Ark' will ensure they are full prepared for their time within our beautiful woodland.
Kit List for Forest School
For the children's comfort and safety, it is essential that your child is dressed appropriately every day they come. If a child is not dressed ready for the weather, unfortunately they will be unable to join us in the woods. Signing your child up to forest school means making a commitment to purchase the correct clothing in order for them to enjoy their day in the woods, even in the worst weather. Before your child starts you will be required to purchase the correct clothing.. We also offer uniform – Fleece, Gilet, Long sleeved tops and hoodies
Waterproofs
Children will need waterproof dungarees and coat. We recommend the following:
Didrickson Slaskeman (lightweight and good quality) □
Didrickson Waterman (slightly more heavy duty) □
Waterproof Mitts – Didrickson Pileglove (must be lined) □
Warm waterproof hat – Didrikson Biggles hat (or similar) □
Baseball cap (needed all year round protection from rain and sun) □
Warm Layers
Thick Fleece – we sell these as part of their uniform. □
Micro fleece- a lighter weight fleece for layering in the winter. □
Long sleeved thin top - we sell these as part of their uniform. □
Comfortable trousers – tracksuit bottoms or leggings are fine. □
Padded gilet- (no hood please) we sell these as part of their uniform. □
Base layers – these can even be old pyjamas □
Thin gloves □
Warm socks □
Summer layers
Long sleeved thin top - we sell these as part of their uniform. □
Hoodie or thinner jumper - we sell these as part of their uniform. □
Shorts or light weight trousers (to wear under waterproof dungarees) □
Sunhat or baseball cap (wide brim hats are best for the sun) □
Footwear
Neoprene wellies or waterproof snow boots for when temperatures drop below 8 degrees. □
Wellies for warmer weather □
Walking boots or walking trainers for hot days. □
Other items
Water Bottle and Hot chocolate mug. (please attach to their bags with a carabiner which we sell) □ □
Small backpack (big enough to hold their spare clothes in but small enough for them to carry as we like to promote independence, 10 litres is recommended) □
Lunch bag (insulated for summer) □
Spare set of clothes 1 of each item in either the summer list or winter, depending on time of year. Please also send at least 2 pairs of socks and underwear. If your child may have toileting accidents, they may need more.
We provide a detailed list of what children will need to wear through the various seasons