Do they need a backpack for recepion or is a bookbag enough? And do they have snacks at morning break?

[swingsandbitches]

That's it really.

Can't get through to the school so just wondering if I should buy an actual backpack and snack bag/box for morning break. I've bought two drawstring bags for spare uniform and PE kit and I'm getting her a book bag with the school logo if a backpack isn't necessary.

[BlueChampagne]

A bookbag will be fine for Reception. And currently children get a free snack in morning break in Reception, Y1 and Y2 (usually fruit).

[Salmiak]

Each school is different but for my dd we just had

A school bookbag

A pe kit bag

A lunch box (although normally she has free school meals so it's just on the days she doesn't want to eat school lunch)

About 2000 cardigans/jumpers as she seemed to loose one a week

My school do do a mid morning snack, it's always a piece of fruit.

[swingsandbitches]

Thanks for your quick reply BlueChampagne!

Can order her book bag now and get on with life ha ha!

This school uniform stuff is surprisingly confusing for me

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Dds school it's

Book bag

Waterbottle

Lunch bag

Pe kit/bag

Fruit is provided at break. Milk is available free from under 5s and with a charge after by you have to fill out a former

[BluePitchFork]

imo a backpack is essential, especially if you walk and have packed lunch.
I don't 'get' bookbags, totally unecessary imo.

[swingsandbitches]

Ooh Salmiak I was only going to buy three cardigans.

I'll grab a couple of cheap jumpers just in case we need spares.

Thanks!

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Yes blue agreed.

Given books are changed once a week and bottles go at the back of the classroom, the only reason they need book bags is cos they can be shoved easily into a box at the front and used as advertising forums....

[swingsandbitches]

BluePitchFork we are walking 10 minutes to and from and she'll be having school dinners. Would you still advise a backpack? Maybe I'll just get one for school and weekend use anyway. That way it's there just in case its needed.

I'm actually just ordering her coat and I was thinking of buying a knee length shower proof one, but I'm worried the long length will interfere with running around the playground. Could anyone advise on this?

Many thanks all!

[swingsandbitches]

OK so to summarise, I've decided on...

3 cardigans

2 cheapie spare sweatshirts

1 book bag

1 backpack

2 drawstring bags (PE kit and spare clothes)

3 pinafores

5 pack shirts

5 pack tights

1 warm coat

1 pair of comfy shoes

Standard PE kit of leggings, T shirt, plimsolls and socks.


Clearly I started another full blown uniform thread by stealth

[kimlo]

Have you got the iron on name tapes?

Things get lost all the time.

[swingsandbitches]

I knew I forgot something Kimlo!

Buying now.

Thanks!

[Magazinepile]

Have you been specifically told to have a bag of spare clothes? If not then don't bother as they can change into PE kit if need be. There should be space in there for a tshirt, pinafore, tights and cardi anyway if you need spare clothes

[drspouse]

Stick on name tapes are a lot easier.

[AndNowItsSeven]

My dc have never used a backpac all through primary or book bags either, they just had a thick clear plastic ziplock wallet provided by school l and a drawstring or bag brough home for washing in any holidays.

[leccybill]

I'd maybe pick up a cheap summer dress. A lot of the girls go back in one if it's warm in September.
Maybe not for the first few days but if other girls are all wearing one? DD felt left out as we didn't have one.

[hazeyjane]

At dd's school book bags are optional, and they have always used back packs

At ds's school book bags are compulsory until juniors ( a complete pita because the book bags are rubbish!)

[Hersetta427]

Book bags here in reception and infants too, although DD switched to a backpack for year 2 when her book bag gave up the ghost. I wouldn't bother with a backpack unless you will use it for other reasons as well.

[swingsandbitches]

Yup Magazinepile it was one of the few clear instructions in the booklet they provided. Everything else is rather vague.

Will buy the gingham dress too in that case leccybill. DD is quite the girly girl and would definitely feel left out if others were wearing them and she wasn't. I'll just buy one cheap one till the warmer weather comes.

hazeyjane the school haven't said whether it is compulsory or not so I'm going to grab one for this year and see what she actually uses over the year. To be honest they could have been a little clearer on the uniform but I'm assuming they haven't been because they are quite relaxed on uniform, which I'm sure I'll appreciate in the long term.

[kilmuir]

Book bag at our school is very useful. Keep books, letters, reading record etc in. They store them in their class room tray

[jamdonut]

Book bag or large plastic wallet to keep reading book,reading record and letters from school in. Drawstring bag for pe kit, to be kept on peg., Any other bag for taking water bottle/ change of shoes/clothes in.
As for coats, knee length is fine during the winter months for running about in but come Spring/Summer a shorter, lighter one is advisable, and we do advise bringing some sort of coat in Summer! So often kids come to school without a coat, because it was sunny in the morning, and/ or they came by car, but, by lunch/ hometime it is pouring with rain!!

[NameChanger22]

I always keep a small foldaway raincoat in dd's rucksack for rainy days.

I don't think snacks are important, I only send one when dd doesn't eat much of her breakfast.

[megletthesecond]

Back pack if you walk. At least you can carry it when they won't.

The book bags are small (bottles and jumpers tend to sag out) and the handles are too short for an adult to loop over a shoulder.

[swingsandbitches]

Thank you everyone! I've now been able to buy everything I think we'll need except her coat and its prompted one last question...

Is it better to buy a darker coloured coat such as a navy or black one? She wants a light pink one but I'm worried it'll get very dirty very quickly.

[BluePitchFork]

coat- as colorful as possible with light reflextors (outdoor stores)
much safer for walking than dull colours.

[kimlo]

Dd2 had light pink last year, it needed washing every couple of days.