As the nights draw in and the weather gets decidedly more, shall we say, classically British, the time is surely perfect for teachers to head down to the beach for a day of learning.

No wait, come back! We promise it could possibly be absolutely brilliant.

After all, outdoor learning and forest schools are most definitely A Thing. So why not beaches? Maybe if you’re a mere coach ride away from a coastline, it’s time to pack up your bucket and spade for an adventure.

And if you need some advice on what to do once you get there, Chloe Webster, who works at Ofsted-registered childminders Pebbles Childcare, has some advice for you on how to set up your very own beach school, any time of year.

“The general idea of beach school session is to not ‘plan’ or facilitate learning, but to follow the children’s curiosity in their findings of the natural world and meet their learning and developmental needs through the invaluable opportunities the natural world has to offer.”

Obviously, Webster says, risk assessment and safety have to be paramount, and behaviour and safety boundaries should be set and re-enforced with children at the beginning and the end of any beach school session.

If you’re thinking that this all sounds like a good idea, but you’re filing it resolutely in your “ideas for summer term” folder, consider donning a few more layers and bracing a fresh sea wind this term, instead.

As the hardy Webster puts it: “It is important to note that beach school should not be a good-weather experience saved just for summer. The natural world changes with the seasons and this in itself is a valuable learning experience for the children.”