Back to School Checklist

Babies one minute then off to school the next!

The school summer holidays are flying by and before you know it the children will be back at school. If you haven't started your shopping yet or if you aren't sure whether you have everything you need a checklist such as this is always a great place to start.

Feel free to save this or print it off and pop it in your purse, your wallet or in your diary so that you may tick things off as you buy / find them.

What to Wear

• Jumpers / cardigans / blazer
• Polo shirts
• Trousers
• Skirts / pinafore
• PE tshirt/s
• Shorts
• Jogging bottoms and sweatshirt for outdoors if school requires them
• Plimsolls / trainers
• School shoes
• Autumn / winter coat
• Plenty of school socks / tights
  

Winter Essentials

• Wellies
• Hat, scarf, gloves

Eating and Drinking

• Lunch box or lunch bag with lunch drinking bottle
• Snack box
• Drinking Bottle

Schools require children to have a suitable bottle for drinking water from throughout the day.
A second drinking bottle for packed lunch boxes will save you from costly carton drinks.

Carrying / Storage / Indentification

• Backpack
• Book bag (often sold by the school or an authorised third party)
• Gym bag
• Clothing labels
• Name stickers (for lunch boxes, drinking bottles etc)

Name tapes, labels and stickers are a must to avoid losing uniform and other important items

Tools

Generally speaking primary school children don't need to take a pencil case and stationery items, unless the school has said otherwise. If you do feel the need to stock up on back to school stationery (for the homework drawer or art and craft tray maybe) shop around and use cashback sites such as Quidco to get a little back on your purchases.

Top Tips:

Not everything needs to be bought brand new, unless of course your little ones are starting school for the first time or if they've outgrown uniform thanks to a summer growth spurt. If you are sure you have any of these items already put aside make sure that you check for wear and tear, that everything still fits and sew, mark or iron in new labels if the old ones are missing or faded.

If you shop at Tesco they will soon be releasing the August Clubcard statements and their latest Boost offers. It looks like you will once more be able to double up vouchers to use online or instore in a number of departments including shoes and clothing (uniform).

Have your little one's feet properly measured, either in store or with a home kit which some shoe retailers sell online. Properly fitted shoes will be a lot more comfortable, are healthier and will of course last longer.

When it comes to uniform quantities the general rule of thumb is one on and one in the wash so a two pack of trousers etc. While trousers and sweatshirts usually last longer between washing polo shirts and similar get grubby very easily, especially white ones so it may be worth stocking up on a few extras.


If you can think of anything else you feel is a must-have get in touch.