First time we’ve done this

[MakeUpGirl]

My DD is starting reception in September and I’ve got her uniform all sorted but what else does she actually need?
She’s an only child and I’ve got literally no clue. Does she need a pencil case full of bits or books or anything else I’m not even thinking of?

Bookbag? Each school usually has a logoed one. Stationery is normally provided.

School will provide all books and stationery. So just uniform, coat, book bag. The best thing you can do to start preparing her is to make sure she can get her clothes and shoes on without help. The teachers will love you for that!

Water bottle, pe kit, my class bring in a pair of wellies. Make sure you put their name on everything!

Pe kit?
Pe bag?
Hair bands/clips? (Some schools are particular about the colour of these)
book bag?
Water bottle?
Hat?
You do not need to provide pencils, books or anything like that.

Different schools do different things. Our school does not do PE kit for reception until the summer term as the school uniform is polo shirts and jogging bottoms. Schools will usually tell you what you need. Wellies and waterproof coats are usually required and making sure everything is well labelled. I would check through any information you have been given. Our school provides the book bag but rucksacks and pencil cases are not allowed. They also supply water bottles, milk and fruit.

Brilliant thank you.
There’s definitely nothing in the booklet from the school about what’s needed
PE kit, book bag and uniform are all organised and we’ve started practising her dressing and undressing
Any recommendations for water bottles, the school provide milk but she’s lactose intolerant so I probably will need to send a water bottle for her as an alternative

Sistema water bottles are good and don't tend to break/leak (twisty top). But if they're prone to forgetting things it might be an idea to buy plastic ones until they're into their routine.

Check and practise opening lunch boxes and bottles too. Can disguise it as a picnic if they're not keen on much school-talk.

Don't forget a change of knickers/tights/socks in case of any accidents.

Sistema water bottles don't leak.

Make sure EVERYTHING is labelled!!

You need to check the norm at your school before bringing in anything other than bag (probably a book bag). There was simply no space at DC's school for wellies (they had to clear space when it snowed), change of clothes etc.

Although school will provide stationery, it's a good idea to have a stash at home including some junk modelling things if you have space. And take out shares in glue sticks.

My DD managed to break every brand of water bottle going (Sistema actually one of the worst for us) so we ended up with cheap plastic bottles.