Bristol Primary School the first to 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 & wellie boots to enable children to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.

Four Acres Academy, Withywood, is the first school to benefit from the Waterproof & Wellies Project, launched by TV presenter Gemma Hunt from CBeebies.

TV presenter, Gemma Hunt from CBeebies plays with the children at Four Acres Academy

Children at Four Acres Academy are the first to receive their wet weather gear from the Waterproof & Wellies project, Bristol

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 in Bristol are getting wet and muddy thanks to the Waterproof & Wellies project which is part of The Outdoor Guide Foundation

TV presenter Gemma Hunt from CBeebies, mother of a four-year-old daughter and outdoor enthusiast, says, “I am thrilled to be supporting this and encouraging more children to get outside. The kits provide the basic gear that will allow children to have wonderful outdoor experiences when at school, whatever the weather!”

Headteacher of Four Acres Academy, Matthew Cave said: “When we have taken learning outdoors we have seen amazing results – the children are engaged in the tasks, cooperate brilliantly and really enjoy this part of their curriculum. We’re delighted to be working with The Waterproof and Wellies Project, ensuring that all our children can experience the benefits of playing and learning in the great outdoors.”

Jumping in muddy puddles is always fun!

“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.”

Gina Bradbury Fox, co-founder of The Outdoor Guide (TOG)

Keep Britain Tidy, a partner of The Outdoor Guide, donated litter pickers and reusable TOG litter bags to Four Acres Academy, encouraging children to care for the world around them and keep their local area clean and ready for play as part of their Great British Spring Clean campaign which aims to encourage everyone to pick up litter.

Gemma Hunt with the children from Four Acres Academy enjoying their new waterproofs and wellies!

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