Thanks to netmums we thought we’d share their top tips for back to school also one of our own!
“Sometimes it’s hard enough writing a list for your weekly shop, let alone working out all the back to school kit your kids will need.
And it’s even harder if they are starting school for the first time. Do they really need a pencil case? Or a PE kit? Help!
A new school year is stressful enough, so we’ve put together the ultimate checklist for getting your child ready for school.
1) Uniform checklist
Four shirts or polo shirts
Boys – two pairs of trousers, one pair of shorts
Belt if needed
Girls – two pinafores / skirts / trousers (depending on their preference)
Jumpers – one with a logo on and one plain for spare (if children are young, you might want an extra one in case one gets lost)
Shoes
Socks
Lightweight waterproof coat (foldable)
Coat
Summer hat
Woolly hat and gloves
For some schools you might also need …
Tie
Blazer
Fleece
Dinner tabard
Painting tabard
2) PE kit checklist
Kit bag – a colour-in Eggnogg back pack perhaps?
Plimsolls
Shorts
T-shirt (check your uniform guide for colours)
Pair of socks (especially for girls who might be wearing tights that day)
Swimming kit or other sports kit (in some schools)
Other back to school supplies
3) Name labels
Book bag (usually sold by the school)
Lunch box or lunch bag
Small water bottle for lunch
Water bottle for daytime (schools may provide this and some might not use them yet)
An with pencil, pen (school might specify the type), coloured crayons, ruler, pencil sharpener, rubber
Music bag / musical instruments e.g. recorder, violin
School bag to carry it all in
7 school uniforms tips
1 Easy-iron trousers and shirts work well, saving on the amount of ironing each weekend.
2 Many schools allow children to wear polo shirts. If your child needs to wear a proper shirt, the short-sleeved ones can be easier for younger children to get on and off.
3 If you have a choice of white or coloured polo shirts, go for the coloured ones – they’ll look cleaner for longer, meaning less washing.
- 4 Younger boys sometimes like to wear shorts (if the weather is still warm enough). If you can’t find 4any to buy, you could cut down an outgrown pair of trousers and hem them.
5 For younger girls, on winter days when they have PE send them to school in trousers. This avoids the problem of them trying to put their tights on by themselves.
6 Find out if your school runs a ‘swap shop’ or second-hand sales – a great way to pick up cheaper clothing. Or ask other local mums on our Coffeehouse forum.
7 If you want to use proper name labels, it’s worth ordering them early on. Alternatively, use a Sharpie or laundry marker to write your child’s name.
4) Lunch boxes
Having got all the equipment, you might need to think about the food you need if your children take a packed lunch to school.
Get some lunchbox inspiration at netmums
5) To survive the countdown to ‘back to school’ how about a last minute family festival? Some still have last minute tickets – like The Big Feastival. We’ve going – come and colour in our ‘Colour in Caravan‘, Bertha, entertainment for the children and a bit of quiet time for parents.
