What Waterproofs Do You Need For Forest School?

If your child is starting forest school this term, one of the first things you'll probably see on the kit list is waterproof clothing.

But once you start shopping, the choices can feel surprisingly confusing. Should you buy an all-in-one waterproof suit? Waterproof trousers or dungarees? Does your child really need a waterproof jacket as well?

After helping thousands of families choose outdoor clothing for nursery and forest school, we've found there isn't one waterproof that suits every situation. However, there is one combination that stands out as the most practical for a typical UK forest school year.

In this guide we'll explain the pros and cons of each option, so you can buy with confidence.

First up is our video explaining the best type of Forest School waterproofs.

Option 1: Waterproof All-in-One Suits

A waterproof all-in-one provides complete protection from head to ankle, making it an excellent choice in certain conditions.

Pros

• Fantastic protection in snow.
• No gaps around the waist where water or snow can get in.
• Warm and cosy during very cold weather.
• Great for younger children who spend lots of time sitting or crawling.

Cons

For most UK forest schools, they're often a little too warm.

Forest school runs throughout autumn, winter and spring, and many sessions are simply wet rather than freezing. During milder weather, children can become quite hot in an all-in-one.

The other drawback is sizing.

Unlike dungarees, there are no adjustable shoulder straps, so once your child grows taller the suit quickly becomes too short in the body. That often means replacing it sooner.

Best for

• Snowy weather
• Very cold winter days
• Younger children spending lots of time playing in snow

Option 2: Waterproof Jacket and Trousers

This is a popular combination because it's simple and practical.

The biggest advantage is that waterproof trousers are generally easier for children when they need the toilet during the school day.

However, there are a couple of downsides that become obvious during forest school.

Children spend a huge amount of time:

• Squatting
• Climbing
• Sitting on logs
• Crawling through mud

As they move around, waterproof trousers can gradually slide down, leaving a gap between the trousers and jacket. Many forest school leaders jokingly refer to this as the "builder's bum" problem! When your child is bending over all morning, that exposed lower back can quickly become cold and wet.

Option 3: Forest School Waterproofs - Jacket and Dungarees (Our Recommendation)

For most UK forest schools, this is the setup we recommend.

Waterproof dungarees provide much higher coverage than trousers, protecting your child's chest and back as well as their legs.

Even on damp autumn mornings, many children find the dungarees provide enough protection on their own before adding a waterproof jacket if the rain becomes heavier.

Why parents love waterproof dungarees

• Much better coverage when climbing and squatting.
• No exposed lower back.
• Adjustable shoulder straps mean they grow with your child.
• Often last significantly longer before needing the next size.
• Excellent for muddy play.

Because the straps adjust as your child grows, you can usually get far more wear out of a pair of dungarees than an all-in-one suit.

Choosing the Right Waterproof Jacket

Whatever bottoms you choose, make sure the waterproof jacket is long enough.

A good forest school jacket should comfortably cover your child's lower back and bottom rather than finishing around the waist.

Longer jackets offer better protection when children are sitting on damp logs, kneeling in mud or playing outdoors for several hours.

What About Waterproof Accessories?

Once you've sorted the main waterproof clothing, there are a few extras that make forest school much more comfortable.

Waterproof Hat

A waterproof rain hat isn't essential, but many children actually prefer one to wearing a hood.

A hat tends to:

• Stay in place better.
• Be less annoying than a hood that keeps slipping.
• Allow children to hear more clearly because there isn't waterproof fabric rustling around their ears.

Waterproof Gloves

Keeping little hands dry can make a huge difference during winter forest school sessions.

If you're looking for truly waterproof gloves, mittens are usually the best option for younger children.

They're warmer than gloves, easier to get on and off, and keep little fingers together to retain heat.

So Which Waterproof Setup Is Best? (Our honest opinion...)

If you're buying one waterproof outfit to cover an entire UK forest school season, we'd recommend:

• Waterproof dungarees
• Waterproof jacket
• Wellies

This combination offers the best balance of:

• Protection
• Comfort
• Versatility
• Value for money

It works brilliantly from the first wet days of autumn right through until spring and adapts far better to changing UK weather than a bulky all-in-one suit.