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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Thermals for teachers

14 replies

InspectorAlleyn · 06/01/2021 21:31

Apologies in advance if I have missed a similar thread, but I really need all of your recommendations for clothes that will keep me warm.

I am in school all day every day with KWV children and (obviously) all of my classroom windows and doors are open. It is painfully cold. It’s so cold that I cannot concentrate and neither can the poor children.

I’ve been wearing a ton of layers, including M&S thermals, but I am still feeling the cold. I genuinely think I need something that actually heats up. Is there such a thing as a heated vest that actually works? Or heated gloves? No access to a microwave or I would be pinching my DC’s Warmies!

Thank you (and solidarity) in advance!

OP posts:
reallyneedmoresleep · 06/01/2021 23:19

Uniqlo do really good base layers which they claim have “heat tech” properties. Dunno what exactly they are, but when I was in New York a couple of January’s ago (wistful sigh) in minus 10 degrees they were brilliant when worn under jeans and jumpers.
Keep your neck and your wrists warm - it helps!

ladyfordington · 09/01/2021 13:46

I'm a TA in EYFS and we have to spend 2 full days a week outside. I invested in a ton of thermal base layers, some budget and some mid-range (couldn't really justify spending a lot of money). I've found merino wool base layers are great, I have some cheap ones from Mountain Warehouse and a set of pricier ones from North Ridge.

I also have the Craghoppers winter trekking leggings/tights which I love - they have a brushed lining which keeps me warm and they're comfortable enough to wear underneath other trousers if needed.

The only item I have with a 'heated element' is my coat, but to be honest I've been a bit disappointed with it - it has heated panels around the back and chest and I can feel the heat there, but I don't really feel like it keeps the rest of me warm iykwim.

I'd second keeping neck and wrists warm. And good winter socks (again I prefer merino or alpaca wool for warmth).

InspectorAlleyn · 09/01/2021 18:03

Thank you for you help. It was just under 11 degrees in my classroom last week Sad

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 09/01/2021 20:38

I bought some fingerless gloves from turtle doves online and they're brilliant. I can type without my fingers freezing off now.

RandomGrammarPun · 09/01/2021 20:43

It's been that temperature in my class for over two months 🥶

Hot water bottle strapped to my back under my blazer some days... Definitely two pairs of thermal tights plus trousers or plus underskirt and dress. Long thermal too that covers your bum. Thermal socks. I have some brilliant ones from M&S.

InspectorAlleyn · 09/01/2021 21:04

@RandomGrammarPun this is the first time I’ve asked for it to be checked! I suspect it’s been like that for a while. SBM thought we were exaggerating about how cold it was Smile

OP posts:
skylarkdescending · 09/01/2021 21:37

What are you wearing on your feet? My feet are icy in normal socks/boots but I invested in some merrel winter boots which do the job along with thermal walking socks.

Also high neck jumpers and Uniqlo layers.

MrsHamlet · 10/01/2021 12:17

What am I wearing on my feet? At home, a hot water bottle!

toomuchicecream · 10/01/2021 12:37

What about the disposable stick on heat pads sold for bad backs etc - they keep warm all day for me

InspectorAlleyn · 10/01/2021 16:17

@skylarkdescending thick walking socks, cotton socks underneath those and then DMs! It is utterly freezing!! I have ordered some extra thermals and I am going to take a hot water bottle tomorrow!

OP posts:
WeAreHalfWayThere · 13/01/2021 20:40

@InspectorAlleyn

Thank you for you help. It was just under 11 degrees in my classroom last week Sad
How are the children who are there coping with a classroom that cold? I would be very concerned for their welfare as well
greenbeetles · 22/01/2021 01:01

The catchily titled Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 say that, “During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.” The guidelines suggest a minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius for the workplace, and 13 degrees if the work in question involves “ ...31 Jan 2019

I know windows have to be open. But heating can be turned up, presumably, or supplementary heating provided?

Watsername · 22/01/2021 20:59

I find fleece lined leggings brilliant. I wear them like tights under a dress. They are so warm. My favourites are from Primark.

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