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Preparing for back to school season when you’ve opted for an unconventional approach to education is a funny one. As I’ve mentioned a few times before we have opted to give mainstream school a miss for now, in favour of an outdoor forest school and a home schooling/flexi schooling situation. Dil has just finished what would’ve been his Reception Year and has been attending Dandelion Education which is a completely outdoor forest school setting for three days a week. Our plan as he enters Year 1 is much the same, and he will do two forest school sessions a week there as well as their off site home ed day.
Whilst Dilan has been at Dandelions he has absolutely thrived, both academically with his literacy and numeracy skills, but also as an individual – gaining confidence and skills such as relationship building, communication, problem solving and conflict resolution. Going against the grain or taking a path that is a little different to the norm is scary, but it is undoubtedly the best place for him right now, and as a family it’s the right decision for us. It does mean though that while lots of parents are stocking up on school uniform, socks and school shoes – we are searching for new waterproofs, walking boots and wellies. Luckily, regardless of what type of education choices you’ve made for your little ones, Very.co.uk is on hand with everything you need to get the new school year off to a good start.
Very.co.uk
Very.co.uk is a multi-category digital retailer, meaning it is a one stop online shop for so many of your buying needs. Very stocks a huge variety of well known fashion, home ware and electrical brands, as well as their own brand V by Very which is known for its style and quality. They currently have a wide range of clothing and accessories that are perfect for the new academic year, so check Very out for all of your back to school needs. Keep scrolling for my top picks for forest school, and let me know what you think!
Back to Forest School Essentials
Forest schools are obviously based outdoors within nature, and Dil’s forest school is completely outside with no indoor space. As September rolls around and the weather starts to turn (not that it’s been great so far this summer..) the priority is to keep him warm and dry. This starts with really decent outdoor footwear, and I love these Regatta Kota Low Walking Shoes. If you’re looking for a more traditional school shoe, trainers for sports or plimsolls for PE – Very.co.uk have everything you need in their back to school shoes selection.
Next on the back to school list for forest school parents are decent waterproofs – this Regatta Splash Suit is perfect for younger kids, and the Volcanics II Jacket is great for older ones. Waterproofs are also great if you walk to school, no one wants to get soggy on the school run! A fleece layer like this jacket is perfect for the colder mornings, and these cotton vests are great for layering under a forest school kit or a traditional uniform.
The final thing all school kids need is a fun and practical bag. I love this fun penguin backpack – it’s perfect for Dil’s lunchbox and some spare dry clothes, and it’ll look adorable on his back!
