Take a look at the uniform page on your school's webpage or get an up-to-date list from the school office. They'll be able to direct you to a specialist uniform shop that supplies items with your school's badges. If your child's school doesn't have a uniform, it's still a good idea to check if there are any changes to their school-approved clothing list. When it comes to stocking up on generic items like shirts and trousers, keep an eye out at supermarkets for the best back-to-school discounts.
Comfortable and hard-wearing shoes are a school essential. Make sure your kids get the right fit by booking an appointment at specialist shoe shops such as Clarks or Start-Rite. If you're strapped for time or can't face the busy shop floor, then step-by-step measuring instructions and size templates available on the Clarks website.
Every parent knows that labeling your child's uniform and belongings is essential if you'd rather pass on taking a nose dive into the whiffy lost property box. Get the sewing kit out or for ease iron-on name tags or invest in a personalised ink stamp.
From gel pens to scientific calculators, the obligatory shopping trip for stationery supplies is a right of passage for the new school year. Get your kids in the mood for the start of term by hosting a crafting afternoon with their classmates. It's a great chance for them to personalise their exercise books, as well as ease any back-to-school nerves.
Don't leave them stashed in the corner of the bedroom all summer. Have a thorough sort out and make sure activity kits still fit, name labels are intact and sports equipment is clean. As kids get older they are likely to want new bags for the start of the year, so try and get these bought and and labelled. A personalised school bag will ensure they're harder to lose too.
Make starting back at school fun by creating new family traditions. Treat your children to a new lunch box for the next school term – their interests are bound to have changed from the year before. In addition to cartoon-printed lunch bags and patterned boxes, don't forget to pick up smaller containers to separate fruit and snacks too.
As the school semester kicks off, your laundry room will once again be hit by a deluge of uniforms and muddy sports kits. Get ahead of the game and install handy storage baskets and hanging units to organise the chaos.
Whether it's grabbing a hurried bowl of cereal in the morning or throwing together a quick family meal in the evening, organising your dried food will make mealtimes that little bit less stressful. Opt for clear airtight containers so you can spot exactly what you want at a glance, plus it'll be easy to see what you need to stock up on.
The hallway is usually the go-to space for outerwear storage. Ensure your entrance is organised for the colder, wetter months ahead by swapping out summer coats and shoes for warmer alternatives. Keep it tidy by adding labelled box storage for individual family members and mount two rows of hooks so younger ones can gain access to their own belongings easily.
Take the opportunity to give your car a good post-summer holiday clean. Vacuum beach sand from the boot, shampoo sticky stains from the seats and install handy organisers that will keep the interior ordered and tidy.
Begin the school bedtime routine a week before the new term. Body clocks take a little while to adjust and all those late nights will have taken their toll. Buy your kids a fun new alarm clock and try setting it a little earlier in the morning to compensate for the inevitable lie-ins.
A good night's sleep is key to keeping your kids on their A game. As the evenings get colder, ensure bedrooms are kept warm and cosy with extra soft furnishings. Bring your blankets and throws out of storage and give them a thorough wash in time for the chillier climate.
If your children are in a funk about returning to school, lift their spirits by making over their bedroom. Let the kids take the lead and allow them to create a space that reflects their personality. A bright colour palette coupled with statement furnishings can help put even the fussiest teenager in the right mindset for the academic year ahead.
Hit reset in your home before school starts by clearing out the clutter. Go through your children's storage boxes and donate anything that hasn't been played with or used all summer. Segmented storage units can help you make the most of your space. It'll also help to make room for the next toy intake. After all, Christmas is only a few months away – eek!
Keep reading at the forefront of family life and refresh your bookshelves. Take the books your children have outgrown to the charity shop and pay a visit to your local library or bookshop. It's the perfect time to find new stories that will keep them engaged through the next school year. Make sure books are easily accessible for smaller arms by mounting low shelving units.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially before school. Get the whole family off to a good start by setting the breakfast table the night before. Doing as much as you can before you go to bed will help keep mornings calm and orderly.
Preparation truly is key to smooth-running school mornings. Try to iron your child's uniform or school-appropriate clothing on a Sunday and lay them out for the week ahead. If your child takes part in afterschool sports, make sure you have their activity kit washed and ready.
As we head into the colder months, winter illnesses such as colds, and flu are becoming more prevalent and not forgetting the continuing presence of Covid-19. So to duck the back-to-school bugs and keep your child – and you – healthy, it's worth reminding them of basic hygiene rules such as regular hand washing. Sending them to school with tissues and hand sanitiser in their bag can help too, as well as regularly washing their uniforms at a high temperature.
The return to school means your little artists will start to bring home their creative masterpieces. Showcase their work with pride by installing an art wall to display their creations. A piece of ribbon with craft pegs is cheap and easy to assemble, while sticker frames offer a simple way to swap out work. As Pablo Picasso said, every child is an artist – even if you can't quite distinguish the shapes...
Make homework less of a chore by creating an attractive homework hub to increase productivity and concentration. Choose somewhere quiet and well-lit, away from distractions like the TV. Keep supplies on hand with stationery drawers and put up a pinboard for notes and revision calendars.
The first day back is usually accompanied by the parental paparazzi. Rather than run-of-the-mill garden snaps, make it fun with a few fresh ideas. Use chalk to write your child's name and school year on the path or create a fun frame to display the final shot. If time is precious or first-day nerves strike you could always have your photo shoot the day before – shh nobody has to know.
Family members are often the biggest influence when it comes to passing on healthy eating habits to the younger generation. Start the school year with good intentions by planning your weekly meals. Preparation pays in the long run and a regular schedule could save you time and money, as well as ensuring your family enjoys a well-rounded diet.
Plan some healthy after-school snacks that will keep tummies full until dinner time. If the summer holidays were full of treats, now's the time to get back on track. Entice younger ones' appetites with colourful containers of fruits and veggies cut into fun novelty shapes.
Games, sports, crafting, languages – most schools have a wide range of after-school clubs to meet your child's every whim. That being said, they're almost always in high demand so make sure you have your child's place reserved in good time to avoid disappointment. Whatever the new school year holds for your little ones and the whole family, try some of these tips to make it a smooth journey for everyone.
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