Inside: Back to school checklist to make sure you don’t leave anything out. Collaborative post.
There’s nothing worse than getting to the night before the start of a new term and realising you’ve forgotten something! For me, it is generally that I’ve forgotten to wash the PE kit but there is always something.
At the beginning of each new school year or new term, it is always a good idea to run through a school shopping list to make sure that you have everything you need and aren’t met with any last minute surprises such as plimsolls not fitting anymore, which happened to me last year!
When to buy your supplies
If you are able to get a head start then it is always best to buy everything way in advance. Not only will you avoid the last minute panic but you’ll have the pick of the crop when it comes to choosing what you need.
Most stores start their ‘back to school season’ at the beginning of summer and so you can take advantage of a great deal, buy everything you need and put it away ready for the start of term. Of course if you are looking to re-stock school supplies part way through the year then the best place is shopping online as there is always stock kept in reserve throughout the year.
The only thing I would save until nearer the actual time of needing them, is school shoes. I have bought them at the start of summer before, only to find that my children have had an enormous growth spurt through the holidays and they no longer fit on the first day of school in the autumn.
I also hold off buying seasonal items such as summer dresses as they depend on the time of year and sizings will change.
Back to school checklist
Of course, all schools are different and hopefully you will be given a supplies list from the child’s teacher or from the child’s school when you join.
If your child is just starting school for the first time then there will be a few things you may only need to buy once such as a PE bag and book bag. Others you will need to buy as they grow or as the item wears out – replacing them for the beginning of the year as they move through the school.
Hopefully the following checklist will help you get ahead of the game.
School uniform. The school’s website should tell you exactly what is needed for winter uniform and summer uniform. Dress codes usually include:
- Jumper / cardigan
- Trousers/ shorts/ skirts/ dresses
- Polo shirts/ shirts
- School socks / tights socks
- Summer dresses
They may also include specific criteria for:
- Coat
- Hat
- Bag
School shoes. Generally smart black shoes are requested. These may not last the entire year and so you will want to check sizings at each holiday in case of sudden growth spurts.
PE Kit. Always worth checking what is exactly needed at what point in the year to help spread the cost and avoid uneccessary purchases. I always check with the child’s teacher whether plimsolls are necessary as sometimes they don’t use them until spring, by which time sizings change.
PE kit often includes:
- Polo shirt
- Shorts
- Joggers
- Plimsolls / trainers
Depending on any extra sports teams they are part of, you may need to get other kit too.
Lunch box. If your child is going to be having a packed lunch then lunch boxes or a lunch bag is necessary. Bear in mind the size and weight if they will have to fit it inside their bag.
School bag. Bags get thrown about throughout the year and so you’ll likely need a new backpack for each new year.
Book bags. Not all schools require rucksacks and may just need you to buy a book bag to keep books safe between school and home.
PE bag. Hopefully a one-off purchase that will last them throughout school.
Pencil case. Not always necessary but some schools as children to bring in their own supplies. It is always fun shopping for new supplies in the stationery aisle each year!
Water bottle. They may well have a water fountain at school but having a water bottle of their own means they have access to a drink at all times.
Extracurricular activities. Not part of the school shopping list but if your child does any other clubs then you need to check what kit is needed and whether it all fits in time for classes starting again. to think about too
Top tips
Buy second hand. The uniform and other school supplies can cost so much money. If your school has a pre-loved scheme then you can get like-new uniform for a great price. One year I got jumpers, summer dresses and PE kit for less than £10 total!
Name everything. Add labels with your child’s name to everything – from uniform to snack pots. The amount of things that go missing is ridiculous and unless you name it it rarely comes back home.
Ask for lunch menus. If you can get them ahead of time then you can discuss menu choices with your child and ease any worries they may have around decision-making.
School routine. Same goes for any schedules – if you can have access to timetables and when things like PE are ahead of time then you can add in reminders to have PE kit or show and tell items ready for those days.
Create a morning routine. Have a list of things that need to be done/ remembered each morning. A ‘don’t leave the house without’ list. If they know that each day they must get their water bottle and book bag ready at the front door then you won’t have to keep asking them.
Similarly, have an after-school routine where they must put their bag away, empty their lunch box and give you any letters.
I hope this is useful! Save it ready to use next year to ensure a successful start to the new term every time.