So we have a school place. Now what do we need for school?

[Kyrptonite]

What do reception children need? Thinking 2 jumpers, 5 polo shirts, 5 pairs of trousers and PE kit. But do they need a backpack, pencil case etc? Do I order name labels or get a pen and write them in?

It's a minefield.

Label everything, especially in reception. I use Cash's labels for clothes that I may be able to pass on (so I can take them out) and Stuck On You labels for everything else including shoes.

While we are at it, don't get anything expensive. Expensive things go missing or get broken/torn/horrifically stained; cheap things just don't

My top tip is if you have a choice of colours get the one that won't show the dirt, e.g. my DC can wear white or red poloshirts, the white shows every grubby mark but the red is more forgiving.

At my DCs school they need the following (everything labelled!):

School book bag
Water bottle
Wellies to keep in school
PE bag containing T-shirt, shorts, plimsolls.

School coat
Jumper x2
Polo-shirts x5
Trousers x2
School socks
School shooes.

Sun hat
Winter hat and gloves.

The best thing I did was get big plastic bag labels with a picture and DS's name which all matched. So his book bag, PE bag and lunchbag all have the same large label on. He could recognise the picture even while he was still struggling with his name.

With the soiling issue have you seen Eric

Sorry to hear about encorepesis. Ds2 still soils at 9 (additional problems). If you posted a new thread about that, a lot of people on mn have been through it and can advise. He was in size 3 trousers too! If you can buy better quality ones as the really cheap ones fall to pieces at 60 degrees ime. I get next now, they're the best I've had. I'm doing it all again with my dts this year, good tips on here!

Does anyone know where I can get size 2 years school trousers from? I have a tiny DS2!

not seen size 2 - but m&s do a size 3 short length....

If there is a school uniform shop near you they may be able to get extra small sizes.

I'm four years into this and my top tip is double label everything.

ie stick-in labels on the tag (by FAR the best I've found are STIKINS which don't need ironing on, don't fall off and can be used for everything including shoes, lunch box etc.)
AND
sharpie name written elsewhere

PEOPLE STEAL your children's clothes.

Ds starts this year too. I'm going to get him 3 of everything as all the children wear school labelled polo shirts and jumpers (not compulsory but they all do) so it'll get quite expensive.

He won't need a backpack just a bookbag.

They don't need a pencil case but it's handy to have decent pencils etc in the house for homework.

My top tip is to practice putting on and taking off anything he is going to wear and also turning inside-out things the right way.

If you do this, it will boost his self confidence and the teacher/ Ta will be very grateful.

And do not put him in shoes with laces if he can't tie his shoelaces.

Choose a coat that has a nice big loop to hang on a peg