Schools across the country receive waterproof and wellies kits to aid outdoor learning
The Waterproof and Wellies Project, part of The Outdoor Guide Foundation, is raising £5m to provide State Primary Schools with outdoor clothing & welly boots to enable children to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.
Pupils at schools from London to Derby, Cardiff to Sheffield and beyond were delighted to benefit from the Waterproof & Wellies Project, devised by founder Gina Bradbury Fox. The project was launched by TV presenter Gemma Hunt from CBeebies in Bristol last year. So far, 140 schools across the UK have received 1400 outdoor kits.
Government figures show there are over 20,000 primary schools in the UK in which a number of families do not have easy access to the right gear to enjoy the outdoors*.
The project, part of The Outdoor Guide Foundation, aims to raise £5m to provide 10 sets of high-quality outdoors kit, consisting of a waterproof jacket, trousers and welly boots to every state primary school across the country over the next six years.
Children at St. Joseph’s RC Primary School had a great time splashing in the wet weather after receiving their kits. Headteacher of St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Virginia Compton, said: “The kits have already been put to great use during our forest schools sessions. They have been invaluable so the children can fully immerse themselves in the nearest muddy puddle… literally!”
Gina Bradbury Fox, co-founder of The Outdoor Guide (TOG), said: “Lack of access to weatherproof clothing is a real barrier for children engaging in outdoor learning. The Waterproof and Wellies Project aims to democratise access to the great outdoors by donating 10 kits to every state primary school in Britain, meaning all kids can join their classmates for fun, fresh air and adventures in nature.”
The Waterproof & Wellies Project officially kicked off in March with Gemma Hunt, CBBC TV presenter. Local businesses and philanthropists have got involved and donated kits, including funding from Land Rover, CSSC and haulier Sanderson have delivered kits across the country to over 120 schools.
