At Inspirations we are a forest school regardless of the weather, and many parents naturally wonder whether forest school is still enjoyable for the children during these winter months particularly in the cold rain. The short answer is: absolutely. In fact, these are often the days when the magic of outdoor learning shines the brightest.
Our pre-school children continue their daily morning and afternoon sessions into the woods, except of course in high winds. Children don’t see “bad weather” the way adults do, they see puddles to jump in, mist that turns the world mysterious, and wind that makes the trees dance. With the right clothing and a sense of adventure, forest school becomes a place of comfort, excitement, and discovery.

‘Look at the drip drops’ -FM.

‘I’m feeling spoooky’- AH.

Cold days give us the perfect excuse to lean into the heart-warming side of forest school. This week the children have learnt how to create sparks to light a fire in our onsite forest school garden. Tuesday was a particularly cold and rainy, however the children worked together to make apple crumble on the outdoor fire, whilst the afternoon group enjoyed some warmed hot chocolate.  These experiences don’t just keep children warm; they build resilience, teamwork, problem-solving, and a deep connection to nature.

Layering Matters

To help your child get the most out of forest school, clothing makes all the difference. Think of it as preparing them for a mini adventure. Layering keeps children warm and comfortable.
We recommend:

•  A thermal base layer to keep heat close to the body
• A warm mid-layer such as a fleece or jumper
• A waterproof outer layer to protect from rain and wind
• Thick socks
• Long wellies

We then dress the children in our own branded blue salopettes and our branded pink coats.
Layers trap warm air, allow flexibility, and can be added or removed as children warm up through play.
Tall wellies are essential as short wellies quickly fill with water when children explore puddles, mud, and wet grass. Tall wellies keep feet dry and warm, helping children stay comfortable for longer. Thick socks (or two pairs) are a great addition too.

Embracing the Weather Builds Confidence

When children learn that they can thrive in all weathers, something powerful happens. They become braver, more adaptable, and more connected to the natural world. They learn that joy isn’t dependent on sunshine  it can be found in the splash of a puddle, the crackle of a fire, or the cosy feeling of sharing hot chocolate with friends.

Your support in sending children dressed for the weather makes these rich experiences possible. Together, we’re helping them grow into confident, curious, resilient learners who know that adventure doesn’t stop when the clouds roll in.

Thank you to our forest school practitioners Zoe and Eleanor W for providing these experiences in all weather.

-Nathalie