Waterproofs and wellies for lessons in the rain at Norfolk primary school

Children at a primary school have been given all-weather jumpsuits so they can have lessons outside even when it is raining.

All 49 pupils at Pott Row First School, near King's Lynn, Norfolk, have been given the suits, with teachers aiming to provide half of all lessons outside within two years.

Headteacher Michelle Petzer said the move towards outdoor learning followed observations by staff that the children were much happier and found it easier to concentrate if they were able to get out in the fresh air.

"We realised the children worked much better and were happier if they had been outside during the day," she said.

"If the children hadn't been outside, perhaps because it was raining, members of staff would say 'they are not listening because they have not had the chance to run around'.

"We realised that it is essential for the pupils to have the opportunity to play outdoors no matter what the weather conditions.

"As a result we have purchased all-in-one raincoats for every single pupil in our school. Now when it rains the pupils don their jumpsuit raincoats and wellies and head out to play as usual."

Mrs Petzer said staff and parents had been extremely supportive of the idea.

"A number of parents have said how much happier their child is and how they are so enthusiastic about coming to school," she said.

The school, which caters for children aged between four and eight, is now looking for a sponsor to help raise funds for a log cabin where the youngsters can enjoy lessons.

Karen Brush, managing director of the Institute for Outdoor Learning, said she believed the school was the first in the country to set specific targets for outdoor learning.

"There is evidence that things you feel and experience will have a much bigger impact on later life than something which is purely classroom taught," she said.

"Often the most memorable learning experience comes from doing things and making sense of the world around us."