Back to School Essentials

Have the summer holidays flown by for you?

I'm struggling to come to terms with the fact that it's almost September and next week my son will be starting Junior School!

Just in case you are also in last minute panic mode I've put together a list of essentials that you don't want to forget for the new term.

Stationary

This is always something I leave until the last minute as some days it feels like our house is filled with coloring pencils, felt tips and about 30 multi coloured rulers but as soon as it comes to sorting out Ben's pencil case for the new term I can't find anything! I find that Poundland is a great place to stock up on the essentials at great value!

School Shoes

School shoes are one thing that I never know when to get! The stores are always so busy in August when it's close to term time and I worry that that won't have a lot of choice in the right size, but then If I try to be organised and go early on in the holidays, my son is bound to have a growth spurt and need the next size by September! This year we visited our local Clarks' store in Bury around mid August and managed to get the best of both worlds I think. Queuing for only about five minutes, great service from the friendly staff and the perfect pair of smart school shoes for less than £40!

A Lunchbox

With the introduction of Free School Meals  for infant school children, many of you may not have to worry about this any longer, however as my son will be starting juniors we have decided to keep him on packed lunches so are still on the search for the the perfect lunch box. y almost seven year old of course wants the latest character craze but my worry is that as soon as one of his friends decide they've 'grown out' of Turtles or Angry Birds, he'll be whinging for a new one! I also find that the quality of the licenced products can be somewhat lacking. I tend to favour something like the YumBox, with different sections for fun and exciting lunches!

A School Coat

A school coat is difficult, you ant get one that will last through the winter at least but you don't want it to be too bulky to carry around or your child cold end up leaving it somewhere. Also a school coat has to be tough! I remember in my sons first year in school I had to replace his coat twice as rough play (usually football!) at lunch time has caused rips and tears! I find Matalan has a wide selection of inter coats for both boys and girls that are both great quality and great value!

In association with Clarks.