AD. If you've found yourself wondering where the summer holidays disappeared to, you're definitely not alone. It feels like they only just started, yet somehow September is creeping closer and the back to school to do list is getting longer by the day. There's school uniform to sort, shoes to replace, lunchboxes to dig out from the back of the cupboard and, if you're anything like me, a growing feeling that you've probably forgotten something important.
Whether your child is about to start school for the very first time or they're seasoned pros, getting organised now makes those first few days back so much easier. Instead of leaving everything until the final weekend (we've all done it!), spreading the jobs out over a couple of weeks feels far less overwhelming.
This guide pulls together everything you need to think about before the new term starts. From uniform shopping and budgeting to getting everyone back into a routine, it's designed to help you head into September feeling organised rather than frazzled. Consider this your back to school checklist!
When Should You Start Getting Ready for Back to School?
If you ask ten parents this question, you'll probably get ten different answers!
Some families have everything bought before the summer holidays even begin. Others are still searching for school shoes a few days before term starts. Most of us sit somewhere in the middle.
Personally, I think mid August is the sweet spot.
The shops are usually well stocked, there's still plenty of choice, and you have enough time to deal with those unexpected jobs that always seem to pop up. Maybe your child has suddenly grown two shoe sizes, their school has changed the uniform policy or last year's PE kit has mysteriously vanished into thin air.
Before buying anything new, spend half an hour seeing what you've already got. It isn't the most exciting job, but it can save you spending money you don't need to.
Have a quick look through wardrobes, drawers and school bags and ask yourself:
- Does the uniform still fit?
- Are school shoes still comfortable?
- Is the backpack in good condition?
- Have we already got enough stationery?
A little bit of planning now usually means a much calmer start to September.
Your Complete Back-to-School Shopping Checklist
No two schools are exactly the same, but there are certain essentials that nearly every family will need before the first day back. Creating a checklist means you're much less likely to forget those little items that suddenly become urgent the night before school starts.
School Uniform Essentials
Before heading to the shops, check your school's uniform policy as requirements can change from year to year. Your school uniform checklist may include:
- Polo shirts or shirts
- Trousers or skirts
- School jumpers or cardigans
- Blazer (if required)
- PE kit
- PE trainers
- School shoes
- Socks or tights
- Coat
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat, scarf and gloves for later in the year
When buying back to school shirts, it can be worth purchasing enough to comfortably last the school week. Children have an incredible talent for coming home covered in paint, mud or mystery stains, so having a few spares can make life much easier.
School Supplies Checklist
Many primary schools provide most classroom supplies, but it's still useful to have a few essentials ready at home. Your shopping list might include:
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Reusable water bottle
- Pencil case
- Pencils
- Pens (where appropriate)
- Eraser
- Sharpener
- Colouring pencils
- Glue stick
- Ruler
- Highlighters (for older children)
- Calculator (secondary school)
Don't forget to check last year's pencil case before replacing everything. Quite often, you'll find perfectly good stationery hiding at the bottom.
The Little Things Parents Often Forget
It's rarely the big ticket items that cause problems. It's the smaller things that are easy to overlook. Take a moment to check whether you also need:
- Name labels
- PE bag
- Reading folder
- Hair accessories
- Spare water bottle
- Tissues
- Sun hat (for warmer September weather)
- Umbrella
Labelling everything before the first day is one of those jobs nobody enjoys, but it can save replacing expensive items later on. School lost property boxes have a habit of filling up surprisingly quickly!
How Many School Uniforms Do You Actually Need?
Buying school uniforms can quickly become expensive, particularly if you have more than one child. While it might be tempting to buy everything in bulk, it's worth thinking realistically about how often you'll be doing laundry and how quickly your child tends to grow.
For most primary school children, enough uniform to comfortably cover the school week is usually a sensible starting point. Having a spare jumper, extra socks and a second PE kit can also be helpful if one set is still drying or unexpectedly needs washing.
If your child is approaching a growth spurt, it may be worth avoiding buying too much all at once. Children seem to have an uncanny ability to outgrow shoes halfway through the school year, and sleeves that looked perfect in August can suddenly appear far too short by Christmas.
Rather than aiming for perfection, think about practicality. Choose items that will work well for your family's routine, budget and washing schedule.
How to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping
The cost of going back to school quickly adds up. Between uniforms, shoes, stationery and lunch supplies, September often feels like one of the most expensive months of the year for families. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple ways to keep costs under control without compromising on quality.
Start by making a list before you shop. It sounds obvious, but having a clear plan helps avoid impulse purchases that quickly inflate the bill.
It's also worth checking whether your local community runs pre-loved uniform sales. Many schools organise second-hand uniform events where parents can buy excellent condition jumpers, blazers and PE kits for a fraction of the original price. Children grow so quickly that many of these items have barely been worn.
Another great way to save money is by reusing anything that's still in good condition. School bags, lunchboxes and pencil cases often last much longer than one school year, and there's no reason to replace them unless they're genuinely worn out.
Shopping around can also make a noticeable difference. Supermarkets frequently offer excellent value school uniforms, while many retailers introduce discounts throughout the summer holidays. Buying a little earlier often means you'll have access to a wider range of sizes and special offers.
Finally, don't forget to involve your children in looking after their belongings. Labelling clothes, encouraging them to bring everything home each day and teaching them to keep track of their PE kit can all help avoid unnecessary replacement costs throughout the year.
Preparing for a new school year doesn't have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning and a sensible shopping strategy, you can tick everything off your checklist while keeping your budget firmly on track.
Getting Your Child Back Into a School Routine
After six weeks of lie-ins, late evenings and relaxed holiday days, getting back into a school routine can sometimes feel like the biggest challenge of all.
The summer holidays are brilliant for making memories, but most children (and parents!) benefit from having a bit of structure before September arrives. Trying to suddenly switch from bedtime at 10pm to a 7am alarm clock is never going to go smoothly, so gradually moving things back towards a normal routine can make those first few mornings much easier.
A couple of weeks before school starts, start introducing small changes:
- Move bedtime slightly earlier every few nights.
- Encourage children to get dressed and ready in the morning rather than staying in pyjamas all day.
- Bring back regular mealtimes.
- Reduce late-night screen time.
- Add some quiet activities such as reading before bed.
You don't need to turn the final weeks of the holidays into a strict training camp. Children still deserve to enjoy their break. The aim is simply to gently remind their body clocks that school mornings are coming.
It can also help to talk positively about the new term. Ask your child what they are looking forward to, whether there is anything they feel unsure about and what they would like to achieve during the year. Sometimes a simple conversation while walking the dog, cooking dinner or sitting in the car can reveal worries that children haven't mentioned yet.
Helping Children Who Feel Nervous About Going Back to School
For some children, September brings excitement. New stationery, seeing friends again and moving up a year can all feel like a fresh start. For others, the thought of returning to school can bring a few worries. This is especially common for children starting a new school, moving into a different year group or facing changes such as new teachers or a bigger workload.
If your child seems anxious about going back, try not to dismiss their worries, even if they seem small to you. What feels like a little thing from an adult perspective can feel huge to a child.
Instead, give them space to talk. You could ask:
- "Is there anything you're feeling worried about?"
- "What are you most excited for?"
- "Is there anything you'd like help with before school starts?"
- "What would make your first week easier?"
A few practical things can also help build confidence before the first day:
- Walk or drive past the school if your child is feeling nervous.
- Arrange a playdate with a friend from their class.
- Let them choose a new item for school, such as a pencil case or water bottle.
- Practise the morning routine before term starts.
Sometimes having those familiar little routines in place is enough to make a big difference.
Easy School Lunch Preparation Tips for Busy Parents
School lunches are one of those daily jobs that can quickly become repetitive. By Wednesday morning, when you've already packed three lunchboxes that week, it can be easy to run out of inspiration.
The key is preparation.
You don't need to create Pinterest-worthy lunches every single day. Most children are perfectly happy with familiar favourites, and keeping things simple usually works best.
A few ways to make mornings easier include:
- Keep a list of lunch ideas on the fridge.
- Buy snacks in larger packs and divide them up ready to grab.
- Prepare fruit and vegetables in advance.
- Have a few freezer-friendly options available.
- Encourage older children to help prepare their own lunches.
It's also worth checking your school's rules before stocking up. Some schools have restrictions on certain foods, while others encourage specific healthy options.
And don't forget the humble water bottle. They have a strange habit of disappearing, being left on the school field or somehow making their way home covered in mysterious marks!
The Things Parents Always Forget Before the First Day Back
Even with the best back-to-school checklist in the world, there are always those little jobs that somehow get forgotten until the last minute. The night before the first day back is usually when parents suddenly remember:
- The PE kit needs washing.
- The school bag needs emptying.
- The reading book needs finding.
- Forms need signing.
- The water bottle needs filling.
- Shoes need cleaning.
- Breakfast supplies need checking.
Doing a quick final check the evening before can make the morning feel much calmer.
A good idea is to create a "school station" near your front door. This could simply be a basket or small area where everything school-related lives. Bags, coats, shoes and PE kits all have a place, making those busy mornings much easier. For younger children, this can also encourage independence. Even small tasks like hanging up their coat or putting their book bag away help them feel responsible for their own things.
Don't Forget the Teachers Too
September isn't just a big change for children. Teachers are also preparing classrooms, planning lessons and getting ready to welcome a new group of pupils.
If you're looking for a small way to show appreciation, personalised gifts or fun classroom items can be a lovely gesture. Something practical such as teacher shirts can be a useful addition for staff who enjoy wearing school-themed clothing, especially during special events or celebration days.
For schools looking to create a sense of community, matching staff clothing can also be a fun way to bring everyone together. A personalised teacher jersey can work well for school trips, sports days or simply adding a little team spirit around the classroom.
Of course, gifts are never expected. A thoughtful note from a child or a simple thank you often means just as much.
A Simple Back-to-School Checklist for the Night Before
When the final evening of the holidays arrives, try not to leave everything until the morning rush. A quick checklist can help everyone start the new term feeling prepared:
✓ Uniform laid out
✓ Shoes ready by the door
✓ School bag packed
✓ Lunch prepared
✓ Water bottle filled
✓ PE kit packed (if needed)
✓ Alarm set
✓ Breakfast options ready
✓ Important reminders checked
It might only take 15 minutes, but it can completely change the feel of the first morning back.
To Conclude
The return to school can feel like a lot, especially after the slower pace of the summer holidays. There are uniforms to buy, routines to reset and plenty of things to remember. But try not to put pressure on yourself to have everything absolutely perfect. A successful start to the school year isn't about having the newest backpack, the most organised lunchbox or a perfectly planned first day. It's about helping your child feel comfortable, confident and ready for the year ahead.
Hopefully, this back to school checklist has helped you feel a little more prepared for September. Take things one step at a time, get the essentials sorted, and remember that those small moments of encouragement and support are often the things children remember most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for Back to School
1. When should I start preparing for back to school?
Most families find that starting preparations during August works well. This gives you plenty of time to buy uniforms, organise supplies and deal with any unexpected surprises before the first day arrives.
2. What should be included in a back to school checklist?
A good back to school checklist should include school uniform, shoes, PE kit, stationery, lunch supplies, water bottles, bags and any school-specific requirements. It's also helpful to include practical jobs such as labelling clothes and getting children back into a routine.
3. How can I make going back to school less stressful?
Planning ahead is the best way to reduce stress. Start shopping early, gradually return to normal bedtimes, prepare lunches in advance and talk to your child about any worries they may have.
4. How many school uniforms does my child need?
This depends on your family's routine, but many parents choose to have enough everyday uniform to cover the school week, plus a few spare essentials such as socks, shirts or jumpers for unexpected spills and accidents.
5. How can I save money when buying school uniform?
Look for second-hand uniform sales, reuse items that are still in good condition, compare prices between retailers and avoid buying more than you realistically need. Children grow quickly, so practical purchases often work best.
