Wet Weather Arrangements

Wet Weather

At Dunnikier we actively encourage learning outdoors and have a progressive framework and certification scheme that our children work through from Nursery to P7.  We know that research shows that children’s resilience, confidence, wellbeing and self-esteem can be enhanced and developed through learning and playing outdoors in all weathers.  When children play outdoors, they become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play. 

Parents and children have contributed to the development of outdoor learning at Dunnikier through consultations.  Our commitment to outdoor learning was identified as one of the aspects that makes Dunnikier unique/special in a recent consultation.  Our Parent Fundraising group have also helped to set up our ‘Welly drive’ where a stock of wet weather clothing and footwear is available in school to ensure equity of opportunity to learn and play outdoors. 

As we move into more unsettled weather, please ensure that your child brings a waterproof jacket with hood and waterproof shoes/boots to school. We do try to get outside as often as possible and will continue to do so in moderate rain.

Sunny mornings can quickly turn to rain so please pack a jacket in all weathers. We have a small stock of waterproof items that can be borrowed.  Please just mention this to a member of staff or send in an email and we will endeavour to find your child suitable clothing. 

When very heavy rain occurs, or a weather warning is issued, the children will be kept in over break/lunch, monitored by management, support staff and P7 leaders.  However, owing to the overcrowding of the school and the ongoing difficulty in providing the level of cover required for indoor breaks, it is often safer to allow the children to go outside in appropriate clothing. 

Unfortunately, we do not have capacity to allow children into the building before 9am as staff are not expected to be in class before then, so we cannot guarantee adequate levels of adult to child ratios.  We are also avoiding gathering large crowds in small areas due to Covid19 guidance on air quality/ventilation. 

Please support us in encouraging your children to enjoy the outdoors in all weathers.

Thank you.