Let’ s get shopping! Make sure to order uniform as early as possible as stock can run out fast. The school will let you know exactly what you’ ll need, but also check if they have guidelines around hair, nails and jewellery

The essentials

• Name labels or wash-proof markers

• Jumpers, cardigans or sweatshirts

• Shirts or polo shirts

• Trousers, shorts, skirts or pinafores

• Socks and tights

• Coat

• Extra underwear( just in case!)

• Summer hat

• Tie( for some schools)

• Blazer( for some schools)

• Fleece( for some schools)

• Comfortable school shoes( slip-proof options may help avoid accidents in the playground and velcro may be quicker and easier than laces)

• Hat, scarf and gloves

• Waterproofs – shoes and outer layer

• Hair tie( for long hair)

• PE kit with plimsolls, sports socks and a gym bag to keep it in

• Swimming kit( for some schools)

• Rucksack

• Lunch box and drink bottle

• Book bag

Measuring for school uniform

Grab a measuring tape, pen and paper. Height: Have your child stand

1 barefoot with their back straight against a wall. Measure from the top of their head to the floor

Collar: Place the measuring

2 tape around your child’ s neck, but leave a little growing room

Chest: Place the measuring

3 tape under your child’ s arms around the thickest part of their chest

4

Waist: Wrap the measuring tape around their belly button

Hips: Measure around the

5 widest part of their hips and bottom, keeping the tape measure level all the way around

Inside Leg: Have your child

6 wear shoes and stand up straight. Place one end of the tape measure at the top of the inseam and measure straight down to around 5cm from the floor

If your child is in between sizes, always go bigger!

Measuring for shoes

For children aged five to ten, you should measure their feet every 12 weeks. It’ s best done in a shop, but you can also do it at home. You’ ll need a piece of paper and a pen to draw around your child’ s foot to accurately measure it. Then look for the‘ size chart’ on the retailer’ s website. Never go too big or too small for shoes – this can damage their feet.

Label everything!

Losing or mixing up belongings happens a lot in schools, so label everything. This will help avoid confusion and keep the school’ s lost property box nice and empty

As good as new

Does your PTA run a pre-loved uniform stall? It’ s cheaper and usually as good as new. Don’ t forget to donate your own child’ s uniform once they’ ve grown out of it.

10 PARENTKIND. ORG BE SCHOOL READY 2025