What Should Children Wear for Outdoor Learning?
What does a child actually need to wear to learn and play outdoors?
Do schools need expensive technical clothing?
Are wellies essential?
Should children have waterproof trousers as well as a coat?
And what happens when families simply cannot afford specialist outdoor clothing?
These questions matter because clothing can be one of the biggest practical barriers to getting children outside.
A teacher may have planned a brilliant outdoor science investigation, maths activity or nature session, but if a child is cold, wet or worried about ruining their clothes, they are unlikely to enjoy the experience.
In this episode of The Muddy Puddle Teacher Podcast, Sarah Seaman speaks with Gina Bradbury Fox from The Outdoor Guide about outdoor clothing, access to nature and why every child deserves the opportunity to experience the outdoors.
Gina is the driving force behind The Outdoor Guide and The Outdoor Guide Foundation and has been closely involved in the Waterproofs & Wellies project, which aims to provide essential outdoor clothing to primary schools and remove one of the practical barriers preventing children from getting outside.
This guide explores what children really need for outdoor learning, how schools can create a simple clothing system and why outdoor kit should be viewed as an accessibility issue rather than an optional extra.
Listen to Sarah Seaman Chat With Gina Bradbury Fox About Outdoor Clothing
About the Gina Bradbury Fox Podcast Episode
Episode 28 of The Muddy Puddle Teacher Podcast is called Let’s Chat About Outdoor Clothing with Gina Bradbury Fox.
The episode was released on 15 March 2023 and runs for approximately 32 minutes.
Sarah talks with Gina about outdoor clothing and the wider challenge of ensuring children can access outdoor experiences regardless of their family circumstances.
Gina co-founded The Outdoor Guide with her sister, television presenter and walking advocate Julia Bradbury.
Today, Gina is Managing Director of The Outdoor Guide and is also closely involved in leading The Outdoor Guide Foundation, which focuses on making outdoor experiences more accessible, particularly for children.
One of its flagship initiatives is Waterproofs & Wellies, which provides outdoor clothing to schools so that children can take part in outdoor play and learning whatever the weather.
Listen to Episode 28: Outdoor Clothing With Gina Bradbury Fox
Why Does Outdoor Clothing Matter in Schools?
Children cannot fully engage with outdoor learning if they are uncomfortable.
A child who is soaked through, freezing cold or worried about getting their school uniform muddy is unlikely to concentrate on the learning objective.
That does not mean children need expensive outdoor brands.
For most school-based outdoor learning, the basic requirements are simple.
Children need to be warm enough, protected from rain where necessary and able to move comfortably.
The aim is not to dress every child like they are going on an expedition.
A playground maths lesson is not Mount Everest.
But having access to suitable clothing can completely change how confident staff and children feel about going outside.
Outdoor clothing also protects school uniforms and reduces the fear that parents will be unhappy because children return home covered in mud.
For schools wanting to increase outdoor learning, creating a simple clothing system can therefore be one of the most useful practical changes they make.
Explore our Complete Guide to Outdoor Learning for more help getting started.
Outdoor Learning Clothing (Learn outside the classroom) Early Years
What Outdoor Clothing Do Primary School Children Need?
For most everyday school outdoor learning, children do not need a huge amount of specialist equipment.
A simple combination is often enough:
a waterproof coat,
waterproof trousers or an all-in-one suit,
wellington boots or suitable outdoor footwear,
warm layers in cold weather,
a hat when necessary.
What children need will depend on the activity, weather and length of time outside.
A five-minute vocabulary activity on the playground requires less preparation than an afternoon nature session in heavy rain.
Schools should therefore avoid making outdoor learning feel complicated.
The question is:
What does this child need to stay comfortable and participate safely in this particular activity?
That may be far simpler than creating a long equipment list.
Are Waterproof Trousers Worth Having at School?
Yes, particularly for Early Years, KS1, SEND provision and schools that use outdoor learning regularly.
Waterproof trousers allow children to sit, kneel, crawl and explore without adults worrying constantly about muddy uniforms.
This can make outdoor learning much more relaxed.
Instead of saying:
“Don’t sit there.”
“Don’t kneel down.”
“Stay out of that puddle.”
Adults can focus on the learning.
Waterproof trousers can also help children become more independent because they are not relying on adults to prevent them getting dirty throughout every activity.
For younger children, an all-in-one waterproof suit can also work well.
Older primary pupils may prefer separate trousers and jackets because these are quicker to put on and feel more age appropriate.
Do Children Need Wellies for Outdoor Learning?
Wellies are useful, but they are not essential for every outdoor lesson.
They are particularly valuable when children are working on wet grass, muddy ground or in puddles.
For short activities on a dry playground, normal school shoes may be perfectly appropriate.
Schools should avoid creating a rule that children cannot learn outside unless everyone owns wellies.
That can accidentally create another barrier.
Instead, consider maintaining a shared school supply of wellington boots in different sizes.
These can be borrowed when necessary.
Check them regularly.
Children grow quickly, and a cupboard full of tiny wellies that no longer fit anyone is not particularly useful.
Explore our Outdoor Learning Level 1 Course for more practical advice on making outdoor teaching manageable.
The Problem With Saying “There’s No Bad Weather”
You may have heard the phrase:
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”
There is some truth in it.
Appropriate clothing can make light rain, cold temperatures and muddy conditions much easier to manage.
But schools should not interpret the phrase literally.
There absolutely are weather conditions in which outdoor learning should be adapted, shortened or moved indoors.
Extreme heat, high winds, thunderstorms, ice and other hazardous conditions require professional judgement.
Children also experience weather differently.
One child may happily explore in light rain.
Another may find wet clothing, wind or cold extremely uncomfortable because of sensory or physical needs.
Outdoor learning should encourage resilience without turning discomfort into a test of character.
The aim is enjoyable, purposeful learning — not proving how tough children are.
What About Outdoor Clothing for Early Years?
Outdoor clothing is particularly useful in Early Years because children learn through their whole bodies.
They sit.
They crawl.
They kneel.
They dig.
They pour water.
They investigate mud.
They move between indoors and outdoors repeatedly.
If practitioners are constantly trying to keep children clean, opportunities for play and exploration become limited.
Waterproof clothing gives children greater freedom.
It also helps adults relax.
A mud kitchen becomes much easier to embrace when children have waterproof trousers and boots.
A rainy day becomes another opportunity rather than a reason to close the outdoor provision.
Explore our Early Years Outdoor Play Hub for practical ideas.
Outdoor Clothing for KS1 and KS2
Outdoor learning does not suddenly stop requiring sensible clothing when children leave Early Years.
KS1 pupils may still be sitting, measuring, collecting or investigating close to the ground.
KS2 pupils may take part in science investigations, geography fieldwork, STEM challenges and practical curriculum learning outside.
The difference is that older children can increasingly take responsibility for what they need.
Schools can teach pupils to check the weather and make sensible decisions.
Do I need my coat?
Will we be working on wet grass?
Should I bring an extra layer?
This develops independence.
Outdoor learning becomes something children prepare for rather than something adults organise entirely for them.
What Should Children Wear in Winter?
Winter outdoor learning requires warmth as well as waterproofing.
Layers are particularly useful because children can remove one if they become warm during movement.
A practical winter system might include normal school clothing, an additional warm layer, waterproof outerwear, suitable footwear and a hat.
Gloves may be useful, particularly during longer outdoor sessions.
However, some practical activities become harder when children are wearing thick gloves.
Consider whether fingerless gloves or shorter activities may work better.
Children who become cold quickly may need additional adjustments.
The adult should observe the child rather than relying only on the temperature shown by a weather app.
What Should Children Wear in Summer?
Outdoor clothing discussions often focus on rain, but hot weather requires planning too.
Children may need lightweight clothing, sun hats and access to shade.
Schools should follow their own sun-safety policies regarding sunscreen.
Drinking water should be accessible.
Outdoor activities can be moved into shaded areas or scheduled at cooler points in the day.
Artificial surfaces can become particularly hot.
Adults should consider the temperature of playground equipment and surfaces before children use them.
Again, outdoor learning should respond to the conditions rather than following the timetable regardless of weather.
Outdoor Clothing and SEND
Outdoor clothing can create additional sensory challenges.
Some children dislike waterproof fabrics because they feel stiff, noisy or restrictive.
Others may find wellington boots uncomfortable.
Hoods can affect hearing and peripheral vision.
Gloves may reduce tactile feedback.
Children should not automatically be labelled as refusing outdoor learning when the real problem is the clothing.
Observe what is difficult.
Could the child wear a softer waterproof?
Could they use different footwear?
Could they participate from a sheltered location?
Could they spend a shorter period outside?
The goal is access.
The clothing should support participation rather than becoming another obstacle.
Explore our SEND Outdoor Learning Hub for more inclusive strategies.
Why Outdoor Clothing Is an Equality Issue
One of the most important messages from Gina Bradbury Fox’s work is that access to outdoor learning is not equal.
Some families can easily provide waterproof coats, trousers and boots.
Others cannot.
If schools expect every family to purchase specialist outdoor clothing, some children may miss out.
They may stay inside.
They may be told they cannot join a session.
They may worry about damaging their only pair of school shoes.
That turns outdoor learning into an opportunity available mainly to children whose families can afford the right equipment.
Gina’s Waterproofs & Wellies work directly addresses this barrier.
The Outdoor Guide Foundation has been working to provide sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and wellington boots to state primary schools, giving children access to clothing that can be shared and reused.
A school clothing bank can make a significant difference.
It says:
Outdoor learning belongs to everyone.
What Is the Waterproofs & Wellies Project?
Waterproofs & Wellies is an initiative from The Outdoor Guide Foundation designed to help children access the outdoors by providing practical outdoor clothing.
The project has worked to supply sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and wellington boots to primary schools.
The wider ambition has been to reach state primary schools across the UK and remove clothing as a barrier to children experiencing outdoor learning and play.
The campaign was developed through The Outdoor Guide and Foundation, which Gina Bradbury Fox co-founded with her sister Julia Bradbury.
The principle behind it is incredibly simple.
Children cannot benefit from outdoor learning if they cannot comfortably go outside.
Providing basic kit gives schools greater freedom to use their outdoor spaces throughout the year.
How Can Schools Create an Outdoor Clothing Bank?
You do not need hundreds of items.
Start small.
Collect several sizes of waterproof trousers, coats and wellies.
Ask whether families have clean outgrown items they would like to donate.
Local businesses may also be willing to sponsor equipment.
Label sizes clearly.
Store clothing somewhere accessible.
There is little value in having outdoor kit if retrieving it requires a twenty-minute search through a distant storage cupboard.
Develop a simple system for drying clothing after use.
Check items regularly for damage.
Most importantly, make the equipment available to everyone rather than identifying it publicly as clothing specifically for children from low-income families.
Shared school kit removes stigma.
Any child can borrow what they need.
Do Outdoor Clothes Need to Be Expensive?
No.
For ordinary school outdoor learning, functionality is more important than branding.
Children need clothing that keeps them reasonably dry, allows them to move and can withstand repeated use.
Schools should think about durability.
Very cheap items may initially seem economical but become expensive if they tear quickly.
Shared school clothing needs to survive multiple children and regular washing.
Look for items that are easy to put on, simple to clean and available in a useful range of sizes.
Schools may also choose to gradually build their clothing supply rather than purchase everything at once.
Mud Is Not a Failure
One cultural barrier to outdoor learning is the belief that children returning muddy means something has gone wrong.
Sometimes it simply means children were outside.
Of course, schools should respect families and protect uniforms where practical.
But children cannot fully explore outdoor environments while adults constantly try to prevent every speck of mud.
Suitable outer clothing helps separate these issues.
The child can kneel beside a plant, investigate soil or explore a puddle while their uniform remains protected underneath.
This is one reason waterproof trousers can have such a disproportionate effect on staff confidence.
They remove one of the reasons adults say no.
Outdoor Clothing and Sustainability
Schools should also think sustainably.
Outdoor learning does not need to generate another cycle of buying large amounts of new equipment.
Shared clothing can be reused by many children.
Donated items can be given another life.
Boots can be passed between year groups.
Minor repairs may extend the life of waterproofs.
Where possible, choose durable items that can survive repeated use.
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach encourages schools to use what they already have, reuse resources and reduce unnecessary consumption.
Outdoor learning should help children connect with and care for the planet, not require schools to buy endless new products.
Explore our Sustainability in Primary Schools Training for further ideas.
Outdoor Learning and Sustainability in Primary Schools Award
Try This Tomorrow: Audit Your Outdoor Clothing
Before buying anything, find out what your school already has.
Check:
Where are the waterproofs?
What sizes do you have?
Are they actually waterproof?
Do the zips work?
How many usable pairs of wellies are available?
Are there larger sizes for KS2?
Where are wet clothes dried?
Can staff access the kit quickly?
You may discover that the school already owns far more than anyone realised.
Create one clearly labelled storage point.
Sometimes improving organisation is more useful than buying additional resources.
Creating an “Outdoor Ready” School
Outdoor learning becomes easier when preparation is normalised.
Staff know where equipment is.
Children understand the routines.
Families know that outdoor learning happens regularly.
Spare clothing is available.
Teachers do not need to send a special letter home every time they plan to use the playground.
That is when outdoor learning moves from being an event to becoming part of everyday teaching.
The long-term goal is not:
“Next Thursday is outdoor learning day.”
It is:
“This learning would work better outside, so let’s go.”
Having suitable clothing available makes that possible.
Get to Know the Guest: Gina Bradbury Fox
Gina Bradbury Fox is co-founder of The Outdoor Guide and The Outdoor Guide Foundation.
She currently serves as Managing Director of The Outdoor Guide and is a leading force behind the Foundation’s work to make outdoor experiences accessible to more people.
She co-founded The Outdoor Guide with her sister, television presenter and outdoor advocate Julia Bradbury.
The Outdoor Guide is an online resource connecting people with walks, outdoor experiences, equipment, accessibility information and inspiration for spending more time outside.
Gina has also played a central role in the Waterproofs & Wellies campaign, an initiative focused on providing essential outdoor clothing to primary schools and helping remove financial barriers to outdoor learning.
Her work is rooted in the belief that children should not miss out on outdoor experiences simply because they do not own the right clothing.
Find Gina Bradbury Fox Online
The Outdoor Guide
The Outdoor Guide Foundation
www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org
@ginabradburyfox
Gina Bradbury Fox – The Outdoor Guide & Foundation
You can also follow The Outdoor Guide and The Outdoor Guide Foundation for updates about the Waterproofs & Wellies campaign, school partnerships, outdoor access and family walking.
Why Gina’s Message Matters to Teachers
Outdoor-learning discussions often focus on teaching ideas.
What lesson can we do?
Which resources should we use?
How can we teach maths outside?
Gina’s work highlights something even more fundamental.
Before we ask children to learn outside, we need to make sure they can actually access that experience.
Clothing matters.
Footwear matters.
Financial circumstances matter.
Physical access matters.
SEND matters.
The most beautifully planned outdoor lesson is not inclusive if some children cannot participate.
That is why practical projects such as Waterproofs & Wellies connect so strongly with The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach.
Outdoor learning should be accessible, realistic and available to every child.
Listen to Gina Bradbury Fox on The Muddy Puddle Teacher Podcast
In Let’s Chat About Outdoor Clothing with Gina Bradbury Fox, Sarah Seaman and Gina discuss outdoor clothing and the importance of removing barriers that stop children getting outside.
The episode lasts approximately 32 minutes and is ideal listening for teachers, teaching assistants, Early Years practitioners, headteachers, SENDCos, outdoor-learning leads and parents.
Listen during your commute, lunch break or planning time and then ask one question:
Could every child in our school comfortably take part in an outdoor lesson tomorrow?
If the answer is no, clothing may be one of the easiest barriers to start removing.
Listen to Gina Bradbury Fox: Outdoor Clothing and Outdoor Learning
Explore the Outdoor Learning Hub
Visit the SEND Outdoor Learning Hub
Explore Early Years Outdoor Play
Join Our Free Outdoor Learning Magazine
Frequently Asked Questions
What should children wear for outdoor learning?
For most school outdoor learning, children need comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather. Waterproof coats, waterproof trousers and suitable footwear such as wellies can make wet-weather learning much easier.
Do children need waterproof trousers for school?
They are not essential for every outdoor lesson, but they are extremely useful for regular outdoor play and learning, particularly in Early Years and KS1.
Do children need wellies for outdoor learning?
Not always. Wellies are useful on wet or muddy surfaces, but normal school footwear may be appropriate for short activities on dry playgrounds.
What should children wear outside in winter?
Warm layers, weatherproof outer clothing and appropriate footwear are usually helpful. Hats and gloves may also be needed depending on the conditions and activity.
What if parents cannot afford outdoor clothing?
Schools can create shared clothing banks, accept good-quality donated items or work with organisations that support outdoor access. Children should not be excluded from outdoor learning because their family cannot afford specialist clothing.
What is Waterproofs & Wellies?
Waterproofs & Wellies is a project from The Outdoor Guide Foundation that provides outdoor clothing to primary schools, helping children access outdoor learning and play regardless of their family circumstances.
Who is Gina Bradbury Fox?
Gina Bradbury Fox is co-founder and Managing Director of The Outdoor Guide and a co-founder and leader of The Outdoor Guide Foundation. She is one of the key people behind the Waterproofs & Wellies initiative.
Is Gina Bradbury Fox related to Julia Bradbury?
Yes. Gina and television presenter Julia Bradbury are sisters and co-founded The Outdoor Guide and its Foundation work together.
How long is the Gina Bradbury Fox podcast episode?
The Muddy Puddle Teacher episode Let’s Chat About Outdoor Clothing with Gina Bradbury Fox lasts approximately 32 minutes.
Author
Written by Sarah Seaman PGCE MA
Founder of The Muddy Puddle Teacher®
Teacher for over 19 years
Bloomsbury author
Trainer of thousands of teachers across the UK
