Waterproofs and Wellies
You will need to make sure your child is appropriately dressed which means proper waterproof clothing and a bag to transport it in. You won’t need an additional jacket if the one your child has is waterproof with a hood.
When the weather gets chilly you will need to send your child with an additional fleece and some warm, waterproof gloves. If you have any grown-out-of waterproofs and wellies at home, we would very gratefully receive them so we have some spares at school. Thank you!
FOREST SCHOOL
Mr McCarty leads Outdoor Learning across the Federation and you can contact him on outdoorleader@fosay.co.uk
Click to download –
Forest School Timetable Federation
Please make sure your child is properly equipped!
There is no such thing as BAD WEATHER, just UNSUITABLE CLOTHING!
These websites offer a good range of products and prices:
https://www.drykids.co.uk/ https://www.cozymole.co.uk/ https://www.waterproofworld.co.uk/
https://www.muddypuddles.com/ https://wetwednesdays.co.uk/
If you need some help sourcing suitable clothing, please contact Mrs Westhorpe or Mr McCarty.
At the federation of the church schools of Shalfleet and Freshwater & Yarmouth we believe that Forest Schools are important because they nurture children’s confidence, independence, wellbeing, and connection to nature, while supporting academic and social development. Forest School is a child-centred, long-term educational approach that takes place outdoors, usually in woodland or natural settings. It emphasises play, exploration, and supported risk-taking, encouraging children to learn through hands-on experiences.
Research shows Forest Schools foster self-esteem and independence, especially for children who may struggle in traditional classrooms. Outdoor collaborative activities encourage richer language use and stronger communication skills. Children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively through varied experiences in nature. Time spent outdoors has been linked to improved school attendance, behaviour, and even academic achievement. Teamwork, problem-solving, and cooperation are naturally embedded in Forest School activities.