One minute, it is beach bags and late evenings. The next, you are searching for the school list, checking whether last year’s shoes still fit and wondering where all the lunchboxes have gone.
Getting ready to go back to school can quickly turn into one long shopping list. But some of the most useful preparations do not involve buying anything at all.
Here are 10 things families can sort out now to make that first school morning a little easier.
1. Check what you already have
Before buying more, empty the schoolbags, check the stationery drawer and see what is still usable from last year.
Separate everything into what is ready to use, what needs replacing and what is no longer needed. Check your school’s requirements before buying extras.
Outgrown uniforms that are still in good condition could also be passed on to another family or offered through a school swap scheme where one is available.
2. Try on the whole uniform, including the shoes
Do not discover the night before school that trousers are suddenly too short or shoes no longer fit.
Check everyday uniforms, PE kits, socks and footwear early enough to replace anything necessary. Younger children can also practise managing their own buttons, zips and shoes.
3. Bring bedtime back towards the school routine
Summer often means later evenings and slower mornings, so start gradually returning to school day bedtimes and wake up times before term begins.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends helping children adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. (HealthyChildren.org)
4. Confirm the first day details
Check your school’s latest communication for the start date, arrival time, entrance and collection arrangements.
If your child uses school transport, make sure you have the correct pickup information and relevant contact details. Everyone involved in drop offs or collections should have the same information.
5. Label the things most likely to disappear
Start with water bottles, lunchboxes, jackets, PE kits and pencil cases.
Follow the school’s labelling instructions and keep personal information discreet where practical. Check last year’s labels too, particularly those that have faded or started peeling off.
6. Give the lunchbox a practice run
Before buying another bottle or lunch container, check whether your child can open and close it independently.
A quick test at home can reveal leaking bottles, stubborn lids and portions that need adjusting. It is also worth checking the school’s current food and allergy guidance before deciding what to pack.
7. Clear out the schoolbag
Old worksheets, forgotten toys and other unnecessary items have a habit of surviving the summer inside schoolbags.
For backpack comfort, guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends two broad, padded shoulder straps and placing the heaviest items closest to the body. Children should use both shoulder straps, and unnecessary items should be removed regularly. (HealthyChildren.org)
8. Update the information your school needs
Check that emergency telephone numbers and authorised collection details are still correct.
Any changes involving allergies, medical needs or support arrangements should be communicated directly to the school, following its procedures.
If grandparents or other relatives regularly help with childcare, make sure they also know the updated arrangements.
9. Ask what your child is thinking about
Instead of simply asking whether they are excited, try asking what they are looking forward to or whether there is anything they are unsure about.
A different teacher, classroom or journey to school can feel like a significant change. Talking through what the first day might look like gives children an opportunity to raise questions beforehand.
10. Give the morning essentials a home
Choose one regular place for the schoolbag, shoes and anything else that needs to leave the house each morning.
The night before, check the timetable, prepare the uniform and pack whatever can be organised in advance.
Then ask one final question before bedtime: “Is there anything you need to bring tomorrow?”
Ten minutes of preparation the night before could save considerably more than ten minutes of searching the following morning.
