Pre-School Kit

We have secured a generous discount with a top quality rainwear provider to get the very best outdoor clothing at a fantastic price.

Forest School Clothing

You can purchase base layers, boots, fleece layers, waterproof hat and waterproof mittens from https://www.littleadventureshop.co.uk/ NEST10 gives you a 10% discount code, Little Adventure Shop has been our supplier for a number of years and are very helpful and knowledgeable.

Please feel free to shop around for your best deals using the guidelines below on what we would recommend.

Boots – we recommend Sorel waterproof boots (please ensure they are fully waterproof and not the snow boots which are only waterproof on the toes). Sorel boots are great for keeping the feet warm but can take longer to dry out if they get the inside wet (purchase ones with liners you can take out and a size up if purchasing new as the liners are very thick) or find a good pair of waterproof walking boots. These are both much better than Wellington boots as they will fit your child’s feet properly allowing them to run and climb safely. Plastic wellies offer very poor insulation and children’s feet quickly get cold in winter and sweaty in the summer. If they must wear wellies, then several pairs of socks are essential in the winter months or we recommend Demar Wellingtons which are made of ultra light and insulating material EVA and have fleece liners giving cold insulation, which allows to keep the feet warm and cosy even at temperature -30*, get the ones with a draw string at the top. (Link)

Other brands we have seen used over the years are : Melton/Mikk Thermal boots temperature rated to -20c they are lightweight and lined. Warm Wellies are neoprene lined for warmth slightly longer in the length discount code NIW10 for 10% off or Kamik bounce lined wellies.

Long trousers – both in Summer and Winter we will be asking for children to wear their dungarees, to keep warm, dry and to protect from scratches, bites and sunburn. Even on warm days it can be cooler under the shadow of the trees. We would recommend base layer leggings under the dungarees in Merino wool and/or polyester blend – for a warm base layer with excellent wicking performance and a durable fabric. In winter the mid-layer should be a material which has good thermal properties. Try to avoid cotton wherever possible. Fleecy pyjama bottoms work well during colder months to add a layer.

Long sleeved top – both in Summer and Winter, to keep warm, wick away sweat and to protect from scratches, bites and sunburn.

Layers of clothing appropriate to the temperature and the season – in Winter the children will need at least three layers to keep warm. We find that base layer leggings, trousers and the waterproof dungarees work well for their bottom half, and for the top half, a base layer top, long sleeved top, good quality fleece and waterproof jacket is a good mix. Merino wool and/or polyester blend – for a warm base layers with excellent wicking performance and a durable fabric. Please be aware that any cotton layers (like a cotton vest) will soak up sweat and will leave you child cold, even on cold wet days your child will get hot and sweaty under their waterproofs. Its not about the amount of layers your child has on to keep warm and dry its about the type of fabrics the layers are in.

We recommend a knitted hat that will fit under your child’s waterproof hooded coat or fold up to fit in their bag, couple of pairs of knitted gloves that can be replaced throughout the day and a waterproof outer glove. Waterproof over mittens are great for keeping hands warm and dry as they extend over the wrist area and you can put a thinner knitted layer underneath.

You can purchase base layers, boots, waterproof hat and waterproof mittens from https://www.littleadventureshop.co.uk/ NEST10 for 10% discount code.

Waterproof jacket and trousers/dungarees – We recommend Didricksons rain wear.  Best to choose 100 per cent waterproof outer layers so you can be reassured even in the wettest of weathers or if you child chooses to sit in water there are no breathable holes to allow water to penetrate through. The jacket has poppers on as zips get stuck with mud and this does allow some air to flow, the front of the dungarees come up the chest are under the coat opening offering an additional waterproof layer.

Didriksons waterproofs are hardwearing and comfortable. The raincoat has a hood and internal elasticated waistband – no cords! The dungarees have shoulder braces and stirrup straps at the trouser cuffs.

Fabric: Didriksons Galon, 2-layer laminate membrane. Outer layer 100% PU, inner layer 100% PES.

Waterproof level: 8,000mm when new, 5,000 mm after 3 machine washes

(British Standard for fully waterproof fabrics: 1,500 mm)

No need to machine wash – these garments can easily be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth.

Expect children to get their clothes dirty. The Didriksons waterproofs are gentle machine washable at 40 degrees.  It is best not to machine wash too often as lots of washing can eventually reduce the waterproof effectiveness.

We do not recommend lined waterproofs, it can soak up water where as layers can be replaced easily.

You can purchase waterproof repair kits and replacement foot straps from Little Adventure Shop.

Backpack- Children must have a small waterproof backpack/rucksack they can carry Maximum 5 litres. It needs to have a chest strap to distribute the weight and stop the arm straps falling off and a side pocket to hold their drink bottle. We highly recommend the Jack Wolfskin buttercup toddler rucksack range. You can get cheaper alternatives however they are not waterproof and do not withstand the wear and tear. Other brands we have seen are decathlon kids hiking back pack, deuter pico toddler rucksack, vaude minnie, mammut first zip backpack, trespass cohort 5l backpack.

Spare clothing- please supply a spare set of underwear, socks, top and trousers in your child’s ruck sack inside a plastic bag in case of an accident or really wet weather. We can leave a spare set of clothes in a named plastic bag at the scout hut for our return if you wish your child to be changed prior to leaving us at the end of the session. Hat (for sun or warmth depending on the season) and waterproof gloves.