Give every child a fair chance to experience the benefits of nature

Too many children watch outdoor learning from the classroom window because they do not have a warm coat or a pair of wellies. The Outdoor Guide Foundation funds and delivers Waterproofs & Wellies kits to schools so every child can get outside, stay dry and feel they belong.

Around £35 equips one child for outdoor learning, whatever the weather.

The reality for too many children

In the UK today, childhood is not as outdoors as many people think.

• 4.5 million children were living in poverty in 2023/24 after housing costs. That is 31 percent of all children, or roughly 9 in every class of 30 at state primary school.
• A 2016 UK survey found that three quarters of children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates, who are guaranteed an hour outside every day.
• In England, 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 had a probable mental health disorder in 2023. Half of all mental health problems begin by age 14.

For many families living in poverty, a waterproof coat and wellies are not basics. They are luxuries. When the weather turns, children without kit are more likely to stay inside, sit out or feel different from their friends.

In a typical playground, that looks like the same children staying on the sidelines when the teacher says “Let’s go outside.” Outdoor learning happens in theory, not in their day.

A simple kit that changes the day

Lack of simple kit keeps children indoors in wet weather. Waterproofs & Wellies unlock inclusion.

What is a Waterproofs & Wellies kit?

For around £35 per child, we fund and deliver a complete waterproof kit directly to schools in areas of greatest need. Each kit typically includes:

• A hooded waterproof jacket
• Waterproof over-trousers
• A pair of wellington boots from a trusted brand
• Supplied in a range of sizes so schools can match kit to children

Once the kit is in school, something small but important shifts. Grey drizzle becomes a chance to explore, not a reason to stay inside. Forest school and outdoor lessons become something every child can join

Why outdoor time matters!

Time in nature is linked with:

• Better concentration, engagement and behaviour in class
• Reduced stress, anxiety and anger
• Improved sleep and physical fitness
• Stronger teamwork, resilience and empathy

In Natural England’s Natural Connections project, 92 percent of teachers reported pupils were more engaged outdoors and 85 percent saw better behaviour. Teachers see the difference the moment lessons move outside.

Waterproofs & Wellies do not just keep children warm and dry. They give every child a fair chance to feel confident, included and ready to learn in nature.

From donation to dirty feet

When you support the Waterproofs & Wellies project, your gift becomes something very real: a child stepping outside with their classmates, not watching from the window.

“The donation of the waterproofs and wellies means so much to our children. We will be able to take them out into the local community, as well as the school yard, to explore and enrich their learning experiences through the outdoors. The children will remain warm and happy, whilst having fun and learning in the outdoor environment, which has a wealth of benefits to both physical and mental well-being, for now and for their future.”

~ Michelle Jones, Headteacher

“Having access to the appropriate clothing and footwear has led to more children participating in outdoor learning.”

~ Charlene Bull, Leigh Sports Trust lead at Wyndcliffe Primary School

What changes when children have kit?

Imagine standing at the classroom door when a teacher says “Right then, let’s go outside.” Every child jumps up. No one is left behind because their coat leaks or their shoes are too thin. That is the moment your gift creates.

A Waterproofs & Wellies kit becomes:

• The confidence to explore, rather than worry about getting muddy or wet
• The memory of being with friends in the forest school, not watching from inside
• The freedom in a child’s day, knowing they belong out there in the fresh air, full of joy in the adventure

We align our reporting with the KPIs that matter to you: reach, engagement, employee activation and measurable local impact, not vanity metrics.

Are you a state primary school?

Apply for Waterproofs & Wellies kits

We prioritise state primary schools where outdoor learning is already part of the plan, but lack of kit is holding children back.

If that sounds like your school, we would love to hear from you.

We cannot promise to support every school straight away, but we will review every application carefully as funding allows.

The Outdoor Guide Foundation

The Outdoor Guide Foundation is the not for profit arm of The Outdoor Guide, a digital walking and nature resource created by television presenter Julia Bradbury and her sister Gina Bradbury Fox.

Our mission is simple: to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, starting with children. Ambassador and children’s TV presenter Gemma Hunt keeps the child’s experience at the centre of everything we do.

A trusted partner for serious impact

We work with partners who share our belief that nature should be part of every child’s day. The Outdoor Guide Foundation is proud to partner with organisations such as WWF, whose Happy By Nature programme aims to bring a daily dose of ‘Vitamin Nature’ to 1 million children by 2028.

When you partner with us, you can expect:

• Clear planning around the schools and communities your support will reach
• Opportunities for staff volunteering at kit drop days
• Photography, quotes and content rights agreed with schools and parents
• Regular updates you can use in your own reporting

We report what matters

Every year, partners receive an impact summary that might include:

• Kits delivered and schools equipped
• Employee activation at kit drops and events
• Social and media reach
• Simple indicators of increased outdoor learning days

We track risks to reputation, legal and financial compliance, and safeguarding so you can support the project with confidence.

Help us equip 4,285 children for outdoor learning in 2026

In 2026, we aim to raise £150,000 so we can provide Waterproofs & Wellies kits to 4,285 children in state primary schools, starting in areas of greatest need. Your support can turn grey days into good days for thousands of pupils.

Every kit is a warm, dry child who can join in outdoor learning and explore with their friends.