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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dumb starting school question!

56 replies

NotUmbongoUnchained · 04/09/2018 22:29

Posting in Aibu for traffic as I’ve obviously left this very last minute!

My PFB starts school tomorrow and I’ve just realised I’m not really sure what to pack in her bag? She doesn’t need pencil cases and stuff yet does she? She’s having school dinners so doesn’t need a packed lunch. I’ve packed some spare uniforms and a PE kit but I don’t want to be the idiot mum who has forgotten something really obvious!

OP posts:
GoJohnnyGoGoGoGo · 04/09/2018 22:30

A water bottle?

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 04/09/2018 22:31

Have they asked for a bag? Ours don’t have the space to store anything other than pe kit. Certainly not uniforms (plural!)

Justnoclue · 04/09/2018 22:31

First day in Reception DD took an empty book bag Grin and a packed lunch.

Then PE Kit went in later but stayed in school for each half term.

Don’t worry, they need nothing really other than lunch if taking a packed one.

QueenDoris · 04/09/2018 22:32

Hip flask with their favourite tipple to take the edge of it at morning break

missmapp · 04/09/2018 22:33

They really don't need to take much. No doubt you will get a reading record and book soon. Then it just gets filled with scru mpled up letters !

garethsouthgatesmrs · 04/09/2018 22:33

My experience of reception is a book bag and a water bottle only. They don't ask for change of clothes and I would just see that as something else they could lose. Hope it goes well.

BakedBeans47 · 04/09/2018 22:35

A bottle of water and a piece of fruit for break?

IfIWasABirdIdFlyIn2ACeilingFan · 04/09/2018 22:35

You’ll not need spare uniforms!! Grin

Is she definitely staying for dinners from the first day? All the schools here do a 9-11 first week, then 9-12 second week and 9-2 after that.

Original poster
NotUmbongoUnchained · 04/09/2018 22:35

Thankyou! She has a rucksack and a book bag, feel a bit silly taking an empty book bag but she might have something to bring home in it. Eek! Considering I’m the least maternal person in the world, I’m very teary Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
NotUmbongoUnchained · 04/09/2018 22:36

No she’s in 9-3:15 from the first day. School dinners all prebooked on parent pay.

OP posts:
fruitpastille · 04/09/2018 22:36

They will have spare stuff at school for accidents. PE kit won't be needed first week but good idea to take it in. Bottle possibly but I'd expect reception to be given a drink. Just an empty book bag is fine!

edwinbear · 04/09/2018 22:37

Water bottle and fruit for snack time.

chasingsushi · 04/09/2018 22:37

DS started today. We were asked to bring his book bag which we'd been given during settling in and a bag with a spare set of uniform. Water bottle was provided at school.

Although parents rocked up with all kinds of things this morning and the teacher just politely told them what was and wasn't needed so I'm sure it will all become clear!

PandaPieForTea · 04/09/2018 22:37

I’d put a spare skirt, pants & tights (or whatever she’s wearing) in her PE kit. Or tell her that she can change to her PE kit if she has an accident and just include spare pants. My DD came out of reception one day with her joggers on because I had told her that and she’d failed to pull her tights down enough for a wee. So there was no fuss or work for the teachers.

Doesn’t the school have a list of what they need? Try the school website.

Alorralorralaughs88 · 04/09/2018 22:38

My Dd has just started reception today, we had to send in her bag with her pe kit (tshirt, joggers/shorts/ Trainers) a bag with a spare set of clothes for messy play (same as pe kit but i put an extra pair of knickers and socks in aswell just incase, a pair of wellies for outside messy play. Her water bottle and her book bag. Smile

Original poster
NotUmbongoUnchained · 04/09/2018 22:39

Oh yes I must remember wellies and rain suit! I don’t have a water bottle Blush

OP posts:
InDubiousBattle · 04/09/2018 22:47

My ds is starting on Thursday and his school have given us a water bottle which he can take in (half filled, they've been very specific about that!)but no other guidance! They don't need PE kit until January, he's having school dinners but we've never been asked what he wants or anything, some of my friends have been asked to pay for milk but we haven't. ....I'm not sure what to take either! I've bought him a book bag because it's on the uniform list but then in their 'Reading notes' it says that they will be given one. They've said we need to take in wellies.

Should I be taking in a bag with a change of uniform, some fruit and some cash?! I might take a load of stuff and just ask when we get there!

Browntile · 04/09/2018 22:50

Send empty book bag. She’ll come home with a couple of bits in it. And a water bottle. That’s all she needs. Wouldn’t think they’ll even expect PE kits in on day 1.

Piccalillies · 04/09/2018 22:51

A sunhat or cap if it's going to be sunny at break times.

RocknRolla · 04/09/2018 22:53

We are in Scotland so not sure if it’s different. But on my dd first day I sent her with book bag, water bottle, pe kit, snack and a pencil case. In her pencil case I put in the crayola twistable crayons and some hb pencils. She never used the pencils but had to replace the crayons as they did so much colouring in at the start.

Growingboys · 04/09/2018 22:53

I would put in a pencil case. DS starts tomorrow and has a pencil case and geometry set.

Growingboys · 04/09/2018 22:54

Sorry OP ignore me - I assumed you were talking secondary.

She'll be fine with nothing but a spare pair of pants is def a good idea.

Original poster
NotUmbongoUnchained · 04/09/2018 22:54

Bollocks we don’t have a pencil case, i didn’t think to buy one.

OP posts:
MeMyselfand · 04/09/2018 22:57

Pencil case, water bottle, snack and PE kit. Write her name on the bottle and PE kit

Hope she has a great day and try not worry too much

MeMyselfand · 04/09/2018 22:59

Why don't you take her after school as a special treat for surviving her first day to get her a pencil case and water bottle.

Don't worry that she doesn't have them though, she will be fine without for the start