High Quality School Jumpers – Huge Colour & Size Range
How to Dress Warm for School in Autumn and Winter - Parent's and Kids' Guide
At the moment, it’s more important than ever that classrooms stay well ventilated. Unfortunately, this means having the windows open or the AC on – even in cold weather! But a cold classroom and cold weather doesn’t mean that your kids have to be cold too. With the right clothing and a few handy tips, you can rest assured your children will stay warm and comfortable at school all day long.
The Right Clothing
Primary School
It goes without saying that in colder weather, your children will need to adapt their usual school attire to include extra outer layers like jumpers, cardigans and thicker coats. In addition to extra outer layers, thermal base layers can also make a big difference in helping to keep kids warm in cold weather. Thermal underwear under shirts and trousers is a great way to keep kids warm and serves as insurance for those days that they lose their school cardigan or jumper.
Secondary School and Sixth Form
Older kids may not be too fond of the idea of thermal under layers. However a pair of thick tights under trousers or a regular plain t shirt under their school shirt will help to provide the same effect.
Staying Dry
Being cold at school is one thing, but being wet and cold is another. Aside from making students feel uncomfortable, sitting in wet, cold clothing can also affect student’s ability to concentrate. If you’re a parent/guardian make sure your little ones stay dry by sending them to school in a waterproof outer layer, ideally one with reflective embellishments to keep them safe on dark school mornings/evenings.
Primary School
If you’re the parent of a younger child, speak to their teacher about keeping a dry set of clothes at school, so that they can change if they become too wet after break time. Young kids like to splash in puddles and get dirty, even if the weather is mild. So pack them a pair of clean, dry socks and gloves too.
Secondary School and Sixth Form
If you’re a secondary school or sixth form student take an umbrella as extra rain protection. If your school allows it, switch from your usual school shoes to a pair of sturdier waterproof boots. If your school requires a certain shoe style as part of its dress code, use a shoe treatment to help improve their water resistance and bring a pair of dry socks with you to change into should they become wet. If you walk to school, bring your school shoes in a bag and wear a waterproof boot or wellingtons for the journey.
Keeping Them Fuelled
Primary School
A good, nutritious breakfast will help keep your little ones fuelled for a cold autumn day. The NHS recommends 7 to 10 year olds eat meals based on starchy foods (wholegrain is best) and some milk and dairy products are included in their diet. Kids should also try and eat 5 portions of fruit and veg each day as well as some good sources of protein. Some healthy breakfast ideas include porridge made with milk and topped with fruit, whole-wheat cereal and scrambled eggs on whole-wheat toast. To ensure they stay fuelled and warm at school, why not pack them a few healthy snacks to enjoy at break time such as some low-sugar flapjack or a piece of fresh fruit. A flask of hot chocolate or soup is also a great way to keep them warm and nourished at break or lunchtime.
Visit the NHS change 4 life website for more healthy kid’s breakfast ideas and school lunch recipes.
Secondary School and Sixth Form
Skipping breakfast is all too easy on a busy school morning, but starting the day with a nutritious meal or snack will help you to fell more alert and could even stop you feeling as cold on chilly day. If you don’t have the time or the appetite for a full meal at breakfast time, make sure you hydrate with plenty of water. Take a flask with a hot drink with you to stay warm on the walk to school and pop a piece of fruit in your pocket to snack on. Although high in sugar, flapjack is also a surprisingly nutritious breakfast food and on-the-go snack. Yogurt drinks or tubes are also ideal for when you’re in a hurry.
