Wednesday 20 August 2014

Back to school clothing guide....


Going by my Twitter and Facebook timelines it seems like people are starting to prepare for going back to school.....

Here are some top tips for getting ready for going back to school.....

Make a list of what you need and stick to it....Don’t buy things which are nice to haves or extras.

How much of everything do I need?

Assuming you do at least one load of washing during the week you will probably need....

• Sweaters/ cardigans/ sweatshirts x 3
• Polo shirts/ shirts x 3
• Trousers/skirts x 3
• Socks 10 pairs - They will get lost.
• PE Kit - 1 set including plimsolls
• School shoes - 1 pair
• PE bag
• A school Book bag 

• A tie, if needed. If there's a clip-on/ elasticated option use that it is so much easier than having to help a four-year-old fasten a proper one each morning. Wet wipes come in handy for cleaning them.
• A school coat

If money is tight find out if there's a second hand uniform shop run by the school or try local Facebook selling pages....Even charity shops local to you may have uniforms....Even one's with Logos.

If your family income is low, you could be eligible for funding to pay for uniform, contact Citizens Advice or your Local Education Authority to find out more. 

If you’re struggling to afford your child’s school uniform, speak to a teacher or the head teacher at your child’s school. They may know where you can get discounts or find cheaper items. At the very least they will understand your situation better.

Double-check whether you really need it - Before you buy any item of school uniform. Many items are compulsory, but some are optional.

At the end of the summer holidays supermarkets and high street stores are often tripping over themselves to tempt you with cheap uniform deals and BOGOFs. Buy items in the next size up.

Buy only what you have to from the official uniform store!!

Instead of buying a school branded jumper, can you sew the school badge on to a generic jumper? This way you can buy cheaper items but still comply with the uniform regulations of the school.

Kids will grow - Buy as large as you can without your child absolutely swimming in the school uniform.....Make sure shoes fit well with some room to grow, but not too much....

Don't forget to label EVERYTHING!! If you haven't got the time or the patience for sewing on name tags a biro will do!! Make sure to show your child where you've put their name, so they can check it themselves....

 If the school's uniform list gives options such as skirts or pinafores for girls, and you're unsure about your child being the 'odd one out', ask around among those with older children at the school.

School shirts get filthy. Invest in some stain remover to soak stained polo shirts or shirts in before washing.

If your child is on the skinny side, look for trousers and skirts with adjustable waistbands....

Avoid tights for younger girls if possible.....When they do PE they will struggle to get them back on or even give them trousers to wear on PE days.

 Don't expect school shoes to last a full academic year!

Get Velcro shoes.....The teacher will struggle to help 30 children do up laces or tricky buckles on PE day....

If the school list says black shoes only, don't be tempted to push the rules with blue or brown. Chances are you'll have to fork out for a second pair of shoes

Happy Shopping!!

2 comments :

  1. I solved the name tag dilemma by getting an indelible marker and writing names on the labels of the clothes. Saves a lot of time!

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  2. I've bought loads this year as I seem to run out. Everything else gets washed but the uniform! Doh x

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