Back to school: the essential guide for parents

Back-to-school list: new year essentials

Here are some key back-to-school supplies they’ll need for a successful school year.

Backpack

We recommend investing in a robust children’s school bag that’s built to withstand their adventures. Pack their bag in advance, preferably the night before their first day of school. You could pack your own work bag at the same time to get things done twice as fast. Efficiency is key when preparing for going back to school.
 

Stationery

Don’t forget about the back-to-school essentials that go inside the backpack – brand-new colourful pens and pencils will spark their imagination and make them eager to get to work. Organise their new stationery in a pencil case that matches their bag for a coordinated look.

Lunchbox and water bottle

Help your little ones look forward to lunchtime by letting them choose their favourite lunchbox design. Fill it with delicious snacks to keep them fuelled throughout the day! Remember to pack a water bottle, too, to help them stay hydrated.

Sports bag

Choose a sturdy sports bag with enough room to fit all their PE kit for lessons and after-school clubs. Drawstring bags are a fantastic option, offering lots of space while being comfortable to carry.

Rain jacket

If your little ones will be walking to school, equip them with a hooded jacket to keep them comfortable and dry on rainy days. Choose a waterproof coat in their favourite colour that they’ll love wearing. Make sure to add a label with your child’s name to prevent it from getting lost.

How to get ready for back to school: bring joy to new routines

Sometimes, the most challenging part of preparing your children for going back to school is getting everyone into a routine. That includes the parents, too! 

Discover our top tips for creating morning and evening school routines for the little ones.

Why is routine important for a child in school?

Routines help create a sense of normalcy in your child’s day-to-day life. By creating consistent bedtime and morning routines, you’ll help them feel happy, safe and ready for a fun-filled day at school.

School bedtime routine

You can encourage your children to look forward to bedtime by making it an enjoyable activity. There’s fun to be found wherever you look for it. 

Kit them out in printed pyjamas they’ll be eager to get into and decorate their beds with bedding sets in their favourite prints and colours. After all, who wouldn’t want to jump into bed when it’s covered in rocket ships, ready for their next trip around the moon? 

Reading them a bedtime story is a classic. But why not switch up this activity and include some wind-down stretching or quiet colouring-in – perfect for a little mindfulness before bed.

School morning routine

A craft activity before school can encourage children to get out of bed in the morning. Alternatively, if they have a favourite cooked or baked breakfast like eggs on toast or wholemeal muffins, get baking with them. It’s much easier to get out of bed knowing you’ll be doing something you love before school. Have cups of water or juice ready for when they tuck into their handiwork for essential hydration.

Organise after-school activities 
in advance

After a busy day at school, your children will be excited to get home and spend some quality time with you. Planning after-school and weekend activities is a great way to keep their minds occupied in the hours before bedtime.

Favourite after-school activities include:
Arts and crafts.
- Cycling.
- Reading.
- Swimming.
- Scavenger hunt.

The end of summer doesn’t mean you have to put an end to outdoor activities, either. An autumn walk through crisp, crunchy leaves on a Sunday afternoon is the perfect way to end a busy week.

When do children go back to school?

For most children in England, the new school year starts at the beginning of September. 

Shop the Cath Kidston range at Next to find all the essentials they need for a great year at school.