BUYING GUIDE
NEW-TERM SCHOOL UNIFORM
BUYING GUIDE
NEW-TERM SCHOOL UNIFORM
Our practical back-to-school guide will help you stay calm and get organised – and with 20% off M&S school uniform, it’s easier than ever
Get set for the new term
Each school has a slightly different school uniform policy, so read the rules thoroughly. Also, remember that September can often be quite warm and many schools still wear summer uniform (often gingham dresses and shorts), so ask other parents – or the school’s Facebook group – if you’re unsure. From now until 11 July, you’ll get 20% off school uniform at M&S, so it’s a great time to stock up on everything they’ll need for the next school year.
Top tip: “Label everything,” says Claire, mother to seven-year-old twins Arthur and May. “Kids leave cardigans and jumpers everywhere, and quite often when they’re in Reception they’ll come home dressed in someone else’s uniform, shoes or coat. Seriously. At least if it’s labelled, everything eventually finds its way back to its rightful owner.”
NEW-TERM KIT
Make starting school stress-free
We know anything that takes the stress out of school mornings is a winner with you, so we’ve done everything we can to help. Our range of crease-resistant, stain-resistant and water-repellent pull-on shorts, trousers, skirts and pinafores are designed to save you time, money and energy, while keeping the little ones looking smart.
Top tip: “Anything that helps children get dressed by themselves is brilliant – and the teachers will be very grateful too,” says Sam, mother to Charlotte and Edward. “The obvious one is riptape-fastening shoes, but there are also shirts with riptape behind the buttons that are great for younger ones, or kids who don’t have as much dexterity. I always buy tights a size bigger too, as they’re much easier to get on.”
STRESS-BUSTING SCHOOLWEAR
Help them be prepared
Whether it’s packing a spare uniform for little accidents or making sure they have a coat in case of sudden downpours, keeping kids comfortable, dry and warm goes a long way to keeping them happy at school. When it’s hot, don’t forget sun hats and sun cream – playgrounds can often be particularly shade-free zones.
Top tip: “For new starters, I’d suggest short-sleeved shirts and blouses all year round, especially if their school’s uniform requires white ones,” says Louis, dad to Lola, 8, and Bruno, 7. “Play-based learning coupled with kids’ still-developing motor skills means their sleeves are a magnet for everything from paint to pudding. And while the shirts wash well, it just saves you having to wash them after every single day.”
