Starting School Prep List: A Stress-Free Countdown

Whether your little one is about to step into school for the first time or returning after a well-earned summer break, there’s always a lot to think about as we get ready for the new school year. As parents and carers, we want to make sure we’re on top of everything, from uniforms to school supplies, and even the little things that can make the transition smoother for both you and your little one. We've put together a simple countdown to help you get everything sorted, so you can feel confident, calm, and ready for the school year ahead. Let’s take it step by step and make this back-to-school season a breeze!

If you’re also looking for books to help prepare your little one for school, you can check out my blog on Books to Help Prepare Children for Starting Nursery or Preschool for some fantastic recommendations!

3 Weeks Before School Starts:

• Order Uniforms: Time to check the school’s uniform policy and grab anything your little one might need (shirts, trousers, skirts, dresses, socks, shoes). Make sure everything fits well and is in good condition—no one wants to deal with uncomfortable clothes on the first day!

• Order Name Tags: If you haven’t done it yet, order some name labels for clothes, shoes, bags, and lunchboxes. They really help stop the endless "is this mine?" moments and save you a fortune!

• School Bag: If your child needs a new bag, this is the perfect time. Whether it's a branded one or something they pick out themselves, it's such a fun moment getting your school bag! If it's a school-branded one, why not let them pick out a bag charm to make it their own?

• Practice for Returning Students: If your child is returning to school, start doing some practice work at home to ease them back into the routine. You can focus on things like handwriting, reading, or simple maths. It helps build confidence and gets them back into "school mode."

• Talk About the School Day for New Starters: If your child is starting school for the first time, start talking to them about what the school day will look like. Keep it light and fun, explain things like playtime, lunchtime, and meeting new friends. This helps ease any nerves and makes the first day less intimidating.

2 Weeks Before School Starts:

• Measure Your Child’s Feet: Kids grow so fast! Take them to the shoe shop for a proper fitting and order new shoes if they need them.

• School Supplies: Check if the school has any specific supply lists (notebooks, stationery, art supplies). It's always better to be prepared!

• Lunchbox & Snack Box: If you’re packing a lunch, make sure you’ve got a lunchbox that won’t leak and one they can open themselves. Grab a snack box too, they’re great if your child’s doing afterschool clubs or extra activities.

• Water Bottle: Make sure the water bottle is easy for them to open, and simple for you to clean (because let’s face it, no one has time for tricky lids).

1 Week Before School Starts:

• Check the School Calendar: Have a look at the school year’s important dates, start days, events, holidays, and anything that might change the usual routine. Anything you need to work into your juggle. 

• Label Everything: Start labelling all the things! Uniforms, school supplies, lunchboxes, water bottles, everything will be easier to keep track of.

• Organise the School Bag: Get the backpack ready with anything thats needed like tissues, stationary, spare uniform. It’s also a good time to check if the bag needs any repairs or replacements before the big day.

• Final Uniform Check: Take a moment to make sure everything is washed, ironed, and in good condition. Don’t forget shoes, socks, and any accessories your child will need. It’s also a good idea to have everything ready for the first week—this small step can take a lot of stress out of those first few busy mornings.                

• Talk About the New School Year: Sit down with your little one and chat about the new year. Go over what they can expect, any changes to the schedule, and help them get excited about meeting new friends and learning new things.

And that’s your countdown to a smooth and stress-free back-to-school season, whether it’s your child’s first year or another one to add to the books! With just a little bit of planning and some simple steps, you’ll both feel ready and excited for the year ahead. Remember, every child is different, so trust your instincts and take things at your own pace.

As a fun treat, why not plan something simple but special to celebrate their return to school? Whether it's a family movie night at home with their favourite snacks, a picnic at the park, or an afternoon of baking together, these little moments can feel like a reward without breaking the bank. Before you know it, you'll be waving them off on their first day (or the first day back) with a smile. You’ve got this, mama!