Getting the Kids Back to School: A Checklist for Parents

By Leeds Credit Union
05/03/2021

As primary schools and secondary schools are set to reopen to all pupils on March 8th, we’ve put together this handy 'back to school' checklist to get your kids ready. We’ve included everything you’ll need to get them back on track as they return to the classroom!

The stationery

Make sure you have the essentials, such as:

• Handwriting pens
• Pencils
• Sharpeners
• Rubbers
• Rulers
• Pencil cases
• Colouring pencils

They may need different stationery for different classes, so try to find out what exactly they need for each lesson. You can find a full list of stationery from Magic Whiteboard. 

Bags and books 

Make sure you have all the correct books and your child's bag packed the night before they go back to school. They should already have the right books for each lesson, but double check with your child about their timetable.

If you are looking for a new bag, Sports Direct has an excellent selection of girl's and boy's backpacks and rucksacks. Or you can find a full list of back-to-school supplies, from lunch boxes and stationery to book bags at Smiggle.

Uniform, shoes and extras

Your kids may have grown a few inches since the last time they were in school, or the uniform may have been updated - so check now to make sure it still fits.

The same goes for shoes. Shoe Zone has lots of different school shoes available, plus a whole selection of essentials for the playground, classroom, and P.E.

You may also have to stock your kids up with extras, such as facemasks if they are over 12 and in secondary schools. 

Get back into the routine

Everyone needs to get back to that dreaded routine of waking up early, packing bags and getting the kids out of the door in time. Getting your kids back into a routine quickly will make the school rush far less complicated. 

You can find a list of tips for getting back into a morning routine here. 

Be supportive to your kids

Your children may feel stressed or anxious about returning to school after lockdown, so NSPCC has some excellent advice about talking about the pandemic with your children and easing them back into the prospect of school. 

Try not to get stressed yourself

It’s still a very stressful time for everyone, and it’s okay to feel the pressure. Both you and the kids will be a little anxious about returning to school so don't think you're the only one.

Once the stress of the first week is over, you will be able to kick your feet up over the weekend and relax.

How LCU can help

As schools reopen and normality slowly resumes, Leeds Credit Union is here to help.

So whether you’re looking for additional support to get some school necessities, uniforms or simply to help you manage your bills, you could find the right loan amount to suit your needs.