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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

Starting school like a pro - come and share your tips

81 replies

AndHarry · 12/06/2014 11:33

PFB is starting school in September and I'm trying to remember all the great tips I've picked up on MN over the years and from the MN guide. Come and add to my list so I look like I know what I'm doing...

  • Label everything! Get EasyFix clip-on labels so you don't have to spend ages ironing in labels that will fall out or sewing.
  • Label everything expensive-ish like coats and jumpers twice: once somewhere obvious and once somewhere more hidden so that if a child (or parent Shock) takes a fancy to that item you'll be able to prove that it belongs to your child.
  • Talk to a parent with a child already at the school to find out what you actually need to buy on the school uniform list and what is on the list but never actually worn (leotards, tracksuits etc.)
  • Get your child to practice using cutlery, undressing and dressing, and wiping their own bottom properly over the summer.
  • Add a distinctive keyring to book and PE kit bags so your child can spot it easily amongst all the other identical bags.
  • Buy a good water bottle with a sports cap that they can refill in school (any recommendations...?)
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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
AndHarry · 07/07/2014 20:05

Another one from pre-school experience:

  • as well as the pot of pound coins, keep a supply of small envelopes to send in form slips and money, otherwise ome day you will be desperately trying to make an envelope out of newspaper at 8.30am...
OP posts:
AndHarry · 07/07/2014 20:10

So no starting school party then, phew! I just have to manage not to commit any terrible faux pas during the first two weeks and throw an amazing birthday party that will ensure DS has friends forever more (possible exaggerration).

Someone asked about late starting for a summer born with S&L issues. Any ideas there? In my totally inexperienced opinion I think that the autumn term is great fun: starting school, harvest festival, Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas... and would be a good time to start school.

OP posts:
hobblebobble · 07/07/2014 20:12

That made me laugh - definately keep spare change & envelopes - I send mine in a freezer bag frequently !!! Our school didn't even give us a uniform list lol

MidniteScribbler · 07/07/2014 23:32

Don't do envelopes, use Ziploc bags. They seal better and you don't have loose coins falling out of the corners.

Enjoyingmycoffee1981 · 08/07/2014 08:03

And harry....It was me that asked about delaying my don staring until January. Thanks, you make a good point.

Anyone else who has a child who has gone through reception have an opinion? My son is a young August born. Thinking about holding him off stating until January

MiaowTheCat · 08/07/2014 09:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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