Do I need to buy pens / pencil case etc for DS starting reception in Sept?

[Holymoly321]

Have been out today and bought DS's school uniform for when he starts school in September (very emotional!). I got him the school book bag and gym bag too. Do I need to get him a pencil case set too or are the kids too young in reception for this and the school provides all that they will need? ALso, do most parents just stick the kids lunch in the book bag or get the kids to take a book and a seperate lunch bag to school?

Also, are the book bags a waste? Should I just get him a big backpack instead?

In Reception it is highly unlikely they will need pencil case sets. Mine only need them from Year 5 onwards, other schools request them at Year 3.

Book bags are also fine at that age (they don't carry a whole lot in and out of school).

You usually need a separate lunch bag as it is often stored separately out of the classroom, it depends what your school does.

Forgot to say, good luck for September! No tears, now.....

I wouldn't bother with a pencil case in the school I work all the childen have a school book bag as that is sometimes kept in school for say 2 nights etc. Most who have lunch boxes eather have an all in 1 lunch box where a drink will fit in or 1 or 2 have a lunch box in a bag.

At our school, there's no need for any stationary at all so far - DD1 goes into Y3 in Sept, and even then I think it's provided. Lunch goes into a separate lunch bag - they're usually insulated to keep food coolish. DD's lunch goes onto the lunch trolley and her book bag goes into the classroom. She empties out her books and the teacher keeps the bags so that letters, new books etc can be put in ready for the end of the day.

Book bags are useful as he'll be bringing picture books home for reading, and letters for you. lots and lots of letters. Every thing will go in different places - PE kit on their pegs, lunch bag on the trolley, book bag in the box.

A lunch box in the bag is useful as it may get booted around a bit. Go through opening it up with him. Also a water bottle might be necessary as they encourage drinking through the day (depends on if they provide it in the classroom or they children bring their own).

Wouldn't worry about the pencil case at this stage. DS1 was in year 3 before he got to have one, then they needed a 'pen licence' before they could use biros.

Its a whole new world, and a whole new routine, which we are told nothing about, despite our repeated "So, what did you do today?"

Book bags are useful, our wschool sell them with the logo on for £3.50.

We are asked not to send in pencils or pencil cases, the school supply them.

Ah, thanks so much ladies - it's all the little things that are so confusing isn't it? And they are just the things that no-one feels it necessary to pass on! Thank God for MN! I will bypass all the lovely looking stationary sets for the next few years (and it's tough - I love looking at stationary sets - don't know why!)

A pencil case is on our school uniform list plus scissors and glue stick.

we also have to have a P.E. bag and book bag. I will send his lunch in a seperate lunch bag.

If you don't have a list then I'm sure you won't need to get anything.

Agree re bookbag and separate lunch bag - no need for pencil cases unless requested. One useful tip I was given - it is a good idea to buy a small dry wipe board and a few markers to practise writing letters, numbers etc. You can buy them at places like Staples...easy to use, and they are used in school. Also saves money in the long run as you buy less paper!