MA0-150 Find out exactly what you need
The school will usually provide you with a list of everything your child will need, but if you're in any doubt have a look at the excellent Netmums website. They've got a whole section of advice for mums whose kids are starting school. It includes a brilliant uniform check-list, ideas for their lunchboxes and loads more.
Think second hand
Your child's school might run a second-hand sale or a swap shop for uniforms. This is well worth finding out about. You might be able to get the information you need on the school website, or you could try your local education authority (LEA).
If you don't manage to find anything that way, have a look at Patched Elephant, a brilliant marketplace website entirely dedicated to second-hand school uniform. You can even find a specific school's uniform! It also has listings for uniforms for guides, scouts, brownies and the like, and for musical instruments and sports kit.
Buying new items
Even if you manage to get some second-hand bargains, there will still be some items that you will need to buy new. If you're looking for cheap deals then a good starting point is the major supermarkets like Tesco and Asda. You can also get very reasonably-priced uniform from Debenhams and Marks & Spencer. If you want to buy online the School Uniform Shop is worth a look as it has bargain prices and free delivery on orders over £35.
MD0-251 When it comes to brand items like rucksacks or sports kit, a great solution to keep them happy without spending a fortune is the website SportsDirect or the high street version, Sports World. They sell off last season's stock of sports wear, shoes, bags, equipment, all at up to 80% off.
Getting the right school shoes
Mums often want to look after their kids' feet, which might mean paying a bit more to get a better quality pair of shoes. If you go to Start-Rite shoes you'll probably pay around £30 a pair, but they are dedicated to fitting your child's shoes properly. The website even has a downloadable foot gauge and a fitting calculator.
MD0-205 If you really don't want to spend that much, then there are plenty of cheaper shoes available from the major supermarkets, usually priced at around £10. It is also worth looking at places like Priceless Shoes, who stock school shoes from as little as £6.
Top Tips
Buy second-hand if you can. This can save you a bundle, especially on specific items, like those with the school logo on.
If you're buying from a supermarket, bear in mind that the prices they advertise are based on uniform for younger children, so if your kids are older that means the prices will be higher.
Buy everything NOW! It might sound stupid, but if you wait until the end of August you'll find huge queues and limited stock in all the shops.
Easy-iron items are a great idea! Think of the number of times you'll have to wash and iron those little shirts...
Try to find the happy medium between quality and price. Don't skimp on items where you want good quality e.g. shoes that will last the whole year.
Once you've got all their clothes sorted, there's still a whole range of other essentials to consider, from stationery and bags to lunchboxes. It's here that the supermarkets excel in value for money so they should be your first port of call.
Back to School Deals
If your little ones are now big enough to need a suit then be sure to check out high street for deals that are smart and affordable: often there are summer sales to take advantage of.
Ryman have loads of fantastic back to school bargains like 3 for 2 offers and 'Buy one, get one free' deals on. What's more, they are also offering free delivery when you spend over £35.
Lastly, everyone knows that books are expensive but your little ones are pretty likely to need a few for their homework. Shop around on Amazon, eBay and Gumtree to find some good deals. What's more, on Amazon you only need to buy £5 (instead of £15) worth of eligible items to qualify for free delivery.
The school will usually provide you with a list of everything your child will need, but if you're in any doubt have a look at the excellent Netmums website. They've got a whole section of advice for mums whose kids are starting school. It includes a brilliant uniform check-list, ideas for their lunchboxes and loads more.
Think second hand
Your child's school might run a second-hand sale or a swap shop for uniforms. This is well worth finding out about. You might be able to get the information you need on the school website, or you could try your local education authority (LEA).
If you don't manage to find anything that way, have a look at Patched Elephant, a brilliant marketplace website entirely dedicated to second-hand school uniform. You can even find a specific school's uniform! It also has listings for uniforms for guides, scouts, brownies and the like, and for musical instruments and sports kit.
Buying new items
Even if you manage to get some second-hand bargains, there will still be some items that you will need to buy new. If you're looking for cheap deals then a good starting point is the major supermarkets like Tesco and Asda. You can also get very reasonably-priced uniform from Debenhams and Marks & Spencer. If you want to buy online the School Uniform Shop is worth a look as it has bargain prices and free delivery on orders over £35.
MD0-251 When it comes to brand items like rucksacks or sports kit, a great solution to keep them happy without spending a fortune is the website SportsDirect or the high street version, Sports World. They sell off last season's stock of sports wear, shoes, bags, equipment, all at up to 80% off.
Getting the right school shoes
Mums often want to look after their kids' feet, which might mean paying a bit more to get a better quality pair of shoes. If you go to Start-Rite shoes you'll probably pay around £30 a pair, but they are dedicated to fitting your child's shoes properly. The website even has a downloadable foot gauge and a fitting calculator.
MD0-205 If you really don't want to spend that much, then there are plenty of cheaper shoes available from the major supermarkets, usually priced at around £10. It is also worth looking at places like Priceless Shoes, who stock school shoes from as little as £6.
Top Tips
Buy second-hand if you can. This can save you a bundle, especially on specific items, like those with the school logo on.
If you're buying from a supermarket, bear in mind that the prices they advertise are based on uniform for younger children, so if your kids are older that means the prices will be higher.
Buy everything NOW! It might sound stupid, but if you wait until the end of August you'll find huge queues and limited stock in all the shops.
Easy-iron items are a great idea! Think of the number of times you'll have to wash and iron those little shirts...
Try to find the happy medium between quality and price. Don't skimp on items where you want good quality e.g. shoes that will last the whole year.
Once you've got all their clothes sorted, there's still a whole range of other essentials to consider, from stationery and bags to lunchboxes. It's here that the supermarkets excel in value for money so they should be your first port of call.
Back to School Deals
If your little ones are now big enough to need a suit then be sure to check out high street for deals that are smart and affordable: often there are summer sales to take advantage of.
Ryman have loads of fantastic back to school bargains like 3 for 2 offers and 'Buy one, get one free' deals on. What's more, they are also offering free delivery when you spend over £35.
Lastly, everyone knows that books are expensive but your little ones are pretty likely to need a few for their homework. Shop around on Amazon, eBay and Gumtree to find some good deals. What's more, on Amazon you only need to buy £5 (instead of £15) worth of eligible items to qualify for free delivery.
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