Get Organised for a Smooth Start to the New Term

As the summer holidays come to a close and the first day of the new school term approaches, it’s time to get organised. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or simply returning after the break, ensuring that everything is in place will make the transition smoother for both you and your little one.

We’ve put together a quick back-to-school checklist so you can feel confident and prepared when the big day arrives:

Comfortable School Shoes

A good pair of school shoes is essential for keeping your child comfortable throughout the school day. When choosing shoes, prioritise comfort, durability and fit. Your child will be spending long hours in them, so make sure they offer proper support. 

Wellies for Forest School

Many schools have embraced outdoor learning and forest school activities are becoming increasingly popular. Ensure your child is ready to explore the great outdoors by packing a sturdy pair of wellies. Choose wellies that are easy to slip on and off and are waterproof, so your child can enjoy muddy adventures without getting their feet wet. Look for wellies with good grip to prevent slips and falls and consider buying a size up to allow room for thick socks during the colder months. Here are some handy tips for keeping wellies clean and fresh!

Name Labels for Everything

The chaos of the school environment means that items can easily get lost or mixed up with others'. Save yourself the headache of lost property by labelling everything your child takes to school. This includes clothing, shoes, lunchboxes, water bottles and school bags. There are plenty of options available, from iron-on labels for clothing to stick-on labels for hard surfaces. Personalised labels with your child’s name or initials are a quick and easy way to ensure that lost items can be returned. For more school uniform labelling tips read our My Nametags guest blog.

A Durable Water Bottle

Keeping hydrated is crucial for your child’s focus and energy levels throughout the school day. Choose a durable, leak-proof water bottle that can withstand the rough and tumble of daily school life. Opt for a design that your child loves, as they’ll be more likely to remember to drink regularly if they’re excited about using it. Many schools encourage eco-friendly options, so consider a reusable bottle to reduce plastic waste. Here are some recommended water bottles that have been tried and tested by IndyBest. 

School Bag with a Spare Change of Clothes

Accidents happen, and schools often require a spare change of clothes to be kept on hand just in case. Choose a school bag that’s roomy enough to hold all of your child’s essentials, including their lunch, water bottle, books, and that all-important spare outfit. A bag with multiple compartments can help keep things organised, making it easier for your child to find what they need quickly. If your child is attending a school with a uniform, ensure the spare clothes are compliant with school policies. Take a look at these recommended school bags at mumsnet.

P.E. Kit & Trainers

Having the right P.E. kit ready will ensure your child can get enjoy a range of sports and exercise at school. Check your school’s requirements for P.E. clothing, which might include shorts, a t-shirt, joggers and a jumper for colder weather. Don’t forget to pack a pair of trainers that are appropriate for indoor and outdoor use. It’s a good idea to keep the P.E. kit in a separate drawstring bag that can be easily stored in your child’s locker or school bag (receive a FREE drawstring bag with every ToeZone purchase!)

Big Smiley Faces All Round!

A big smile and a few words of encouragement can go a long way in helping your child feel excited and confident about returning to school. If your child is feeling nervous, reassure them by discussing all the fun activities they have to look forward to and the friends they’ll be reunited with. Here's a handy blog to help ease any school anxiety. We also love these back-to-school gift ideas from Holly & Co. This is also a great idea by Olive & Pip who create iron on patches with comforting messages in your handwriting to add to school uniforms.  

Final Thoughts

Prepare for the new school term by following this checklist, you can ensure that your child is ready for the first day back with all the essentials they need.

The goal is to make the transition back to school as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so take the time to get organised, and you’ll both be smiling come the first day of school!

Make sure to share your ToeZone Back-To-School photos with us on our instagram page @ToeZone.Footwear.UK!

View our latest school shoe collection here, measure their shoe size at home using our printable kids school shoe guide.