Starting School in September club...

[MillionDollarBaby]

Well I've seen all the due in clubs.. My dd is starting school this September and is already looking forward to it. Anybody else?

DD is so excited about starting school, she cant wait. I'm trying to teach her stuff, like more letters and how to write her name, but really dont know what to expect of children that age. She is the youngest in her year and wont be 4 till 31st August. I'm also forcing her to be a bit more independent in wiping her bottom and getting herself changed. Luckily we have no social problems because she knows all the children from her bursery school already and they'll all be together in reception. We're all meeting up every few days in the holidays and there are a few parties and things so she has no nerves whatsoever about school thankfully.

What do other people think they are expected to do at that age before starting school? Please tell me they dont have to be able to read or anything? DD does a nice line at reading supermarket and shop names ( a girl after my own heart) but cant really read anything else apart from her own name - is that ok?

DD's school teacher says they assume all the girls kniw nothing regarding letters, numbers, reading and writing. And they do the basics to start with, and assess each child as they go, moving them all on at their own pace. They don't even assume the children know their letters or sounds, let alone know how to read.

I would focus more of the other stuff in preparation - dressing themselves, doing shoes, fastening coat, taking themselves to toilet, wiping own bottoms, and other classroom rules such as putting hand up, listening toothers without interrupting, etc (although latter probably done at nursery already).

you really don't need to be teaching your children anything b efore they start reception next month - teachers start with what their students already know and build on it, the curriculum is the same as nursery or preschool - it's a 2 year programme with same skills and goals - then it changes again in year 1
let them enjoy the rest of their summer!

except the social things like hulababy mentioned oops

Well, our meet up today withthe other 3 girls went well. DD loved playing with the girls and they all got on really well. And the mums seemed very normal and nice too

My dd2 can read her name and thats about it!
Started on the buying uniform today, luckily last years t-shirts still fit just need new pinafores(sp?) and coat, and shoes, and tights (anyone know if you can bulk buy tights she tends to wreck at least 2 pairs a week!)

I need red tights and not been able to find them yet.

Adams had some!

Cheers - will look there.

My DS is too can I join?

Hi

Argh! Just spent another small fortune today. Speaking to the 3 mums yesterday I discovered that those girls, and presumable others, are going to start in September wearing the summe runiform - can be worn till half term. So DD won't risk being odd one out we have just been into town and orrdered her the school dress and blazer, and bought her the boater. All a tad on the biggish size, but will at least fit her next summer too!

Hulabay don't worry. At the school dd goes to approximately half wear the summer uniform til half term (those that went to nursery) and the rest wear winter uniform.

I'll send dd in whatever I think is appropriate for the weather, she already has summer uniform from nursery but I expect most of the time she will be in winter uniform. The main thing with winter uniform is the socks, they are not allowed ankle socks with winter uniform so if it is too hot for her thick grey socks she will go in summer. Mind you her summer dress is covered with won't wash out paint stains!!!! I'm not buying another til next year though at £25 each!

Too late now as ordered! TBH I think the summer uniform will be easier for her to deal with any way - just a dress, cardi, blazer and boater. The winter unfrm involves shirts and ties. At least int he dress it will make PE and ballet changes easier and less hassle for her, till she is used to it all.

Mind you the dress is costing us £35!!! And it is the most shapeless article iI have ever seen! As for the blazer and hat - argh!!!

Yes, the socks thing was something else. Summer uniform s ankle socks. Winter oe is tights - which right now she can't do herself properly.

We do at least have the option of either grey tights or knee length grey socks for winter uniform. Blazer is (oddly enough) compulsory for summer uniform (despite it being grey wool) but not for winter though loads wear it as part of winter. No hat (which mil thinks is a shame as they look cute)

I have no idea how dd will manage shirt and tie, though the tie is on elastic. Blouses have to be long sleeved. She is not too bad with buttons, I expect the classroom assistane helps. The school jumper is awful, some horrible fabric called courtelle acrylic.

Ballet uniform I will have to get once she starts back. i can not find 2nd hand BBO anywhere in her size, plenty of RAD and ISTD but no BBO.

Luckily all that got. Everything for us was available at John Lewis in town.

Know what you mean about the uniforms. The blazer is so thick for summer. Winter uniform has an even thinker wool coat and a felt hat!!! DD has a proper tie with no elastic - how she is supposed to do that I have no idea. I guess the class teacher and class assistant expect to have to help lost though! I was pleased to see that the pinafore (winter) zipped up the front and not back at least.

You know DD's cardi is also awul to touch. For the price I was expecting something much softer!

DD's winter unfirm doesnt have the blazer - that is just for the summer.

Don't talk pinafores. One mum I met said she was actually considering getting a man sized one made up and giving it to the Principal saying go on get that on and off. It looks lovely but fastens by two buttons at one shoulder 3rd one down

The ballet uniform is only available from the ballet teacher. The British Ballet organisation only allow their official uniform to be sold via registered teachers and dance school, not through dance shops or other outlets. You get an order form at the start of term.

I've only bought one jumper so far, am hoping to get another at the swop shop (they had none small enough last term) I was first in the queue and got the only small blazer

Grr at that pibnafore and what a nightmare about the ballet uniform. As I said before luckily John Lewis is the school's registered supplier (and only supplier) for the whole unfirm - so have been able to buy or order everything from them in town.

Feeling very lucky with uniforms now
they have a school polo (can have cheap ones instead) with a skirt/pinafore/trousers and sweatshirt/cardi (can have cheap ones although everyone seems to buy the jumper at least), any socks/tights, school pe t-shirt, any navy shorts,cheap pumps,in the summer they can have the gingham dresses or school polo dresses.

All the independant schools further North use John Lewis to which I am led to beleive is a lot easier but our nearest JL is about 30 odd miles away which I guess is too far for the school to use as an official supplier.

Still I suppose we know the deal when we decide to sign up for these schools, I can moan all I like about the quality/cost of the uniform but ultimately I have chosen that school for specific reasons and have to live with the inconviences of not being able to shop at M&S/Woollies.

Yes, I agree! All part of the deal I guess. Have howwver told DD I am no longer feeding her as she is not allowed to grew at all this year She has grown 4cm in the last 2 months, so I am hoping her growth spurt is done with now.

Must remember to go and get school shoes in next week or so.

Lol at not feeding your dd!!!

I tried to get shoes last weekend and her feet havn't grown since she had her current shoes last February!!!!!!!

I do wonder why they do make the uniform so expensive though. It is hard enough to find the fees, if they made uniform a bit more affordable whilst still being smart and distinctive it would make the schools more accesible perhaps?

reading these messages, I am SO glad dd is going to a school that lets you wear uniform from wherever!

She has 2 grey pinafores, a grey skirt, 2 burgundy (really soft) cardigans, white socks, white or grey tights, 6 pique polo shirts all for about £45 from M&S 3 for 2.

Gutted about her shoes though! She has really narrow feet so had to get Start Rite shoes and insoles £44!!!!! told her that her feet arent allowed to grow for a whole year! Still, shes happy as they've got lights on!

Hi folks.. not long now hey!

I also started getting the final bits of uniform last weekend.. 2 grey skirts from M&S (also got two for £7 from Tesco which look really similar) white tights and have also ordered grey from M&S.. think I just need to get shoes now and pick up her polo shirts when the school opens.

So who starts first then? dd doesn't start until 14th so I guess we'll be one of the last..