Back to Nursery: Must-Have Essentials for Little Learners

Back to School is here, and for toddlers, that means a fresh start filled with friends, play, and adventure. Whether it’s Forest School or puddle-jumping in the playground, being well-prepared makes every day smoother, whatever the weather.

Nursery days are active, messy, and full of new experiences. The right kit, from waterproofs to comfort items, means your toddler can move from mud kitchen to story corner without a hitch. Here’s your ultimate back-to-nursery essentials checklist:

1. Wellies for Woodland Fun

You never know when you may need a pair of sturdy wellies. For Forest Schools, wellies are especially important. They let your little ones explore freely without worrying about ruining their shoes. Here's what to consider before your shop:

Choose grippy soles for walking comfortably on wet grass and mud.
Aim for a fleece-lined pair as we head into the autumn months.
Pick one of our colour-changing pairs for extra playground fun!

2. Rain Jackets for Wet Break

Everyone needs a coat for school, so why not get one that your little ones will love? Our colour-changing rain jackets make rainy days magical! A colourful cloud print appears when wet, keeping little ones entertained and dry. They’re lightweight and perfect for the nursery playground.

3. Umbrellas for the School Walk

An umbrella is an absolute must, especially if your little one is walking to school. To make things easier, a toddler-sized umbrella is the perfect accessory. Choose one that’s lightweight, easy to open, and bright for visibility. And for a bonus, our colour-changing technology turns a wet school run into an adventure.

4. A Cosy Spare Outfit

Nursery play is unpredictable. Paint, mud, and snacks have a way of getting everywhere so spare clothes are a must! Always consider packing:

A spare top and bottoms (leggings or joggers are most comfortable
Fresh socks and underwear
A lightweight hoodie for cooler afternoons

5. Puddle Suit for All-Weather Play

Puddle suits are a lifesaver for head-to-toe dryness. Particularly perfect for Forest Schools, these rainsuits are ideal for pulling on over your little ones clothes. It means they can still look ready for their nursery activites without limiting their fun or mucking up their clothes! Look for elastic cuffs to keep them super dry or even check out our rainwear dungarees for a more casual option.

6. Easy-On Shoes for Indoors

While wellies work well for outdoor learning, the classroom needs a much more casual option. After a morning outside, toddlers often change into their indoor shoes or slippers. Choose ones with:

Non-slip soles
Velcro fastenings
Soft, flexible fabric for comfort

7. Lunch Bag & Leak-Proof Drinks Bottle

We know when your little ones are hard at work, it won't be long till they get peckish. Even if they provide lunch, having a snack and drink on hand is always great. A well-insulated lunch bag and a toddler-friendly bottle (with an easy spout) will keep them fuelled and hydrated.

8. Cosy Hats & Mittens

Fleece-lined hats and mittens are great for colder, wetter months. After all, even if it’s not raining, the playground wind can get pretty chilly. It's always a good idea to have them tucked away in your little one's bag, just in case.

Our Peppa Pig Fleece Lined Beanies are perfect for this. They're super soft and feature characters from your child's favourite show!

9. Comfort Item for Settling In

For new starters, it's all about making them as comfortable as possible. And often your child will have something personal to them that they just can't let go off. A small blanket, or familiar toy can make drop-offs easier and provide reassurance at nap time.

Heading back to nursery is an exciting milestone for toddlers, filled with exploration, learning, and plenty of messy fun. By making sure your little one has the right essentials, you’ll set them up for happy, confident days no matter what the weather brings. From wellies to rainwear, we've got you comforted with your little learner's essentials.