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At Spotty Otter, we love seeing our gear being put to the test in real outdoor adventures—keeping little explorers warm, dry, and ready for anything! So, we’re thrilled to share this guest post from Beth Rawling at Laurels Childcare. As a Forest School Lead in Early Years Education in Durham, Beth knows just how important it is to have the right kit to keep children comfortable and engaged in outdoor play all year round.

The Right Kit for All-Weather Play

"Finding kit that keeps children warm and comfortable is essential, especially during the colder months; Spotty Otter for us is a staple. The thick fleece-lined dungarees and waterproof jackets ensure the children are warm and dry and enable them to stay outdoors all day in any weather!" – Beth, Laurels Childcare

Beth’s 5 Top Tips for Encouraging Outdoor Play

1- Dress for the weather! 
"As the saying goes, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!’ Making sure children are dressed appropriately means they can play and explore comfortably in any conditions."

2- Create an inviting environment
"The outdoor space should be a place children want to play and learn. Making experiences visually inspiring and exciting helps spark curiosity and adventure!"

3- Teach the magic of the outdoors
"Encourage children to learn about nature, plants, and wildlife—the more they understand, the more they’ll want to explore! Recognising different species of mushrooms, plants, or insects can turn a simple walk into an adventure."

4- Let children lead their play 
"As a teacher, I see myself as part of the experience. I listen to the children, enhance their play environment, and follow their interests to keep them engaged and inspired."

5- Get stuck in yourself! 
"Sliding down a muddy bank, building dens, or researching a newly discovered mushroom together makes outdoor play more rewarding for both children and adults. When we engage in nature alongside them, it creates more meaningful experiences and memories."

Why We Love Seeing Spotty Otter in Action!

There’s nothing better than seeing children exploring, learning, and making memories outdoors in their Spotty Otter gear. Seeing how Beth and her little adventurers use our fleece-lined dungarees and waterproof jackets in real-life outdoor settings makes us so proud to support early years adventures. Our goal is to provide high-quality outdoor gear that allows children to embrace the elements and experience the magic of nature—rain or shine! 

A huge thank you to Beth for sharing her fantastic insights into outdoor learning and play!