With so many things to do and remember in the back-to-school rush, it’s inevitable that some items will be forgotten and fall through the cracks. To ensure there’s no panic on the first day back to school, we’re sharing our handy checklist with you so you can keep track of what to buy and do before the start of the new term.

 

Uniform

 

Depending on how much they’ve grown, you will either need to buy or wash the uniform and tracksuit. Your child should also have two shirts and two polo shirts, as well as at least five pairs of school socks to avoid stressful overnight washing and drying during the week.

 

Coat

 

With the weather in Ireland, your child really needs a good raincoat to get them through the school year. Check to see if their current one still fits comfortably and if not, look for one made from good waterproof material that is warm and has a nice big hood.

 

Writing supplies

 

This is still our favourite part of the back-to-school shop! Make sure your child has enough stationary supplies going back to school. We recommend buying packets of the items and putting the spares aside at home for when your little one inevitably loses the ones you've given them. These can be bought quiet cheaply in places like Tesco. Here’s your stationary checklist for September.

  1. Pens (blue/black and red)
  2. Pencils
  3. Rubber
  4. Ruler
  5. Sharpener
  6. Crayons/colouring pencils/markers
  7. Pencil case

Shoes

 

Now is the time to check if your little one needs new shoes. Get them to try on their old ones and if they fit fine give them a polish. Do the same with their runners, popping them in the washing machine if they need a good clean.

 

 

Schoolbooks

 

Double check you have the correct schoolbooks (don’t wing it – use the list you were given by the school) and if you still need to buy a couple do it now, otherwise there will be long queues and a chance they might not have the book in.

 

Copies

 

Another important piece of school equipment your child needs is copy books. Like the schoolbooks, make sure you have all the right ones and to pick up any that you still need to get now.

 

Book coverings

 

If you are planning on covering the books – and it really is a great way to keep them in good nick – don’t forget to pick up the material to do this. Spend an evening covering them and include your child if they’re old enough to help.

 

 

Schoolbag

 

Make sure your little one’s schoolbag is still fit for purpose, checking that there are no holes in it, the zips work and that it is clean.

 

Art supplies

 

Some schools require you to bring glue, materials and/or paints to the classroom; others ask for money from each student so they can buy them in bulk for the class. Check to see which option your school prefers.

 

Lunchbox

 

If your little one is moving up a year, they might not appreciate the Dora lunchbox they have been bringing with them for the past few years. Either buy a new one or invest in some plain low-cost plastic containers, like the ones sold in Tesco.

 

Hair

 

Invest in some hair accessories like bobbins, clips and hair bands now to avoid the mad panic on the first day back. If your little one needs a haircut, book the appointment for late August now while it's on your mind.

 

You'll appreciate the first day of the new school year a lot more when you're confident you've done everything you needed to do.

 

 

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