It takes more than a spot of bad weather to stop children from enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately, the same cannot always be said for practitioners! And, after a year of record-breaking poor weather conditions, all but the hardiest of staff may have lost their enthusiasm for outdoor play.
However, if the Norwegian saying is to be believed, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing, so follow our six-step guide to staying comfortable in all climates.
1. Wear layers
Layering is vital for keeping warm in cold weather, and much more effective than wearing bulky coats or jumpers. Dressing in appropriate layers helps draw sweat away from the body, insulates against the cold and keeps out the wind and rain. Layers also help you to regulate your own body temperature, as you can add or remove clothing easily when you start to feel too hot or too cold.
Start with a base layer made of a wicking fabric - a hi-tech polyester that absorbs very little water - which will help you stay dry and is better than materials such as cotton. Cotton garments, including underwear, socks and jeans, do not hold in heat but do hang on to sweat, making you feel both cold and damp.
Wearing an insulating layer of fleece or wool over the top will keep you warm, and can be removed easily if you start to feel too hot. An outer layer, such as a windproof or waterproof jacket, will help you to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months. On your lower half, layer up by adding a pair of tights or long-johns under skirts or trousers.
The layering principle extends to your feet. Wear a light, long sock, made of polyester, followed by a heavier sock made of wool to keep your feet feeling toasty. Alternatively, visit winter sports or outdoor shops where you can buy lined or thermal socks designed for cold climates.
2. Cover your head ...
Scientists may have debunked the theory that we lose more than 50 per cent of our body heat by leaving our head and neck uncovered, but a hat and scarf are still invaluable. Up to 10 per cent of body heat - the actual loss - is still a substantial amount and ears can feel chilly in nippy weather.
3. ... and hands
Make sure your fingers don't freeze by wearing gloves, or even better, mittens. The extra air inside mittens creates added insulation and fingers stay warmer when they are touching.
4. Invest in winter shoes
Choose a size that leaves plenty of room for air to circulate, to help keep your feet dry and warm. Look for shoes that are waterproof, have good grips on the sole to help you stay upright in icy weather, and which have a warm, soft lining.
5. Leave the umbrella at home
Rather than relying on an umbrella, invest in a lightweight waterproof jacket that will keep you dry without making you sweat. And rather than letting the rain drip down and soak your lower half, try wearing waterproof trousers, either by themselves or over normal trousers. Again, steer clear of cotton and cotton blends as they will leave you feeling damp.
6. Slip, slap, slop
Warm weather may make being outside more pleasant, but you still need to take precautions with your clothing. Remember the Australian phrase, 'slip, slap, slop'; slip on a shirt, slap on a hat to minimise your risk of sunburn, and slop on some sunscreen. Choose natural fabrics such as cotton or linen that allow the skin to breathe and wear light, loose-fitting clothing so that any sweat can evaporate easily.
For more information visit: www.waterproofworld.co.uk
CASE STUDY
Carol Day, curriculum designer at The Secret Garden Day Nursery, Fife - Scotland's first open-air nursery - has plenty of experience of braving all weather conditions. She explains: 'The practitioners here are outside all day, every day.
'Try to see being outside as a positive challenge rather than something to dread; it's all about attitude. Living with the elements makes you see everything as a lovely challenge, so try to have fun experimenting.
'In cold weather it's important to keep moving, wear the right clothing and learn about the direction of the wind. Wear waterproof trousers and outdoor jackets that are designed to keep you waterproof, and remember to cover your head and wear layers.
'Being outside all day makes you feel alive, much more so than in an artificial environment - it's just a more basic way of living. Seeing the children's progress makes it all worthwhile.'