Whether your child is starting reception or heading into the older year groups, the back-to-school period can be a bit of a whirlwind. There’s excitement (new shoes! new teacher!) but also a fair dose of stress - trying to remember everything they need, getting everyone out the door on time, and wondering how summer flew by quite so fast.
If that all sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most of us are just doing our best to keep the wheels turning, the uniform clean, and are in dire need of some handy tips for the first day at school.
This blog is here to help with that. We’ve rounded up some real, practical back to school tips for parents that make those first few weeks back feel a little less overwhelming - and maybe even a bit smoother.
1. Start with a Calm Morning Routine
Mornings have a habit of setting the tone for the rest of the day. And let’s be honest - when you’re searching for missing shoes while making toast and trying to leave the house on time, things can get fraught fast.
A few small changes can make a big difference. About a week before school starts, begin nudging wake-up times back to normal - it helps ease the transition without the shock of a 7am alarm. Try to get into the habit of laying out clothes, packing lunches, and sorting school bags the night before. It’s one less thing to think about when you’re bleary-eyed in the morning.
And get the kids involved too. Giving them a simple job (like putting their water bottle in their bag) builds independence and makes them feel part of the prep.
Top tip:
Learn how to create a family morning routine checklist and pop it on the fridge - something visual and colourful they can tick off themselves each day.
2. Refresh Uniforms & Check Sizes Early
It’s amazing how much children can grow in six weeks - trousers that fit in July can suddenly be ankle-skimmers by September. Before the last-minute panic sets in, take a bit of time to check what still fits and what’s seen better days.
A quick try-on session helps spot what needs replacing, and you might even find a few items can be handed down to younger siblings. If your school runs second-hand uniform sales, they’re well worth checking out too - good for the budget and the planet.
Make a list of what’s actually needed before heading to the shops. It’s an easy way to avoid overbuying or forgetting the basics - and if you’re not sure where to start, our handy Back To School Checklist covers all the essentials.
3. Label Everything (Yes, Everything!)
If it goes to school, it needs a name on it. That includes jumpers, water bottles, book bags, lunchboxes, PE kits - even shoes if they’re likely to come off at any point (hello, indoor play).
Lost property bins have a life of their own during term time, and sadly, most of what ends up in them never finds its way back home. But one simple step makes all the difference: name labels.
For instance, our iron-on name labels and name stickers are real lifesavers. Both are versatile options that work best for different things depending on what you’re labelling, and there are plenty of fun designs to mix and match so your label is unique and easy to spot!
Even better, our stickers can be washed at up to 60°C in the washing machine and dishwasher, whilst our iron-on version can be washed at up to 40°C in the washing machine and are also tumble dry safe - nice and easy.
It’s one of those back to school tips that saves money, time, and a whole lot of “Where’s your jumper gone?”
Did You Know?
Many schools clear out lost property at the end of term - and anything unlabelled often goes straight to donation, or sometimes even the bin.
4. Stock Up on Stationery & Essentials
Even in the early years of primary school, having the right supplies can help your child feel more confident and ready to learn. While schools often provide the basics, it doesn’t hurt to send them in with a few personal bits - pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, and a glue stick usually come in handy.
Letting your child help choose their items can build a little buzz about going back - especially if they get to pick a pencil case they love. It’s a small thing, but it helps them feel more involved and in control.
Keep a mini stockpile of essentials at home too. That way, when something inevitably goes missing midweek, you’re not rushing to the shops before school.
5. Ease First-Day Nerves
New school years bring a mix of excitement and butterflies - and not just for the little ones. Whether your child is starting reception, moving up a year, or changing schools entirely, it’s normal for nerves to kick in.
Try to talk about what they can expect: who their teacher might be, what the classroom looks like, and what happens at drop-off and pick-up. If you can, swing by the school before term starts for a quick walk around - just seeing the playground again can help ease anxiety.
Books about starting school can also be a brilliant way to open up conversation, especially for younger children.
Top Tip:
Share your own school memories - the good, the silly, the reassuring. It helps them feel like they’re not the only one who’s felt that way.
6. Reset Sleep Schedules Gradually
Summer holidays have a funny way of stretching bedtime later... and later. But those relaxed evenings don’t always translate well once the school run returns.
To avoid a shock to the system (for everyone!), try resetting your child’s sleep routine gradually. About a week or two before school starts, start shifting bedtime earlier in 10–15 minute steps until you’re back to your usual term-time rhythm.
In the hour before bed, keep things calm and screen-free where possible - blue light from tablets and TVs can make it harder to wind down. Instead, go back to basics: warm baths, a story, and quiet time can all help signal it’s time to rest.
Getting a good night’s sleep can make those first mornings back feel much less bumpy - for kids and parents alike.
7. Check School Communications
It’s easy to miss the odd email or letter over the holidays - especially when you're in full summer mode - but now’s the time to give everything a once-over.
Check your inbox, school apps or paper letters for any updates on term dates, PE kit days, school meals, or upcoming trips. Knowing the details now helps you feel more on top of things once term kicks in.
If there’s anything unclear, don’t hesitate to ask - teachers and admin staff are usually happy to help before the back-to-school rush begins.
Did You Know?
Some schools change classroom supplies or snack policies over the summer - checking now saves surprises on day one.
8. Plan Lunches & Snacks
Sorting out school lunches doesn’t have to be a daily scramble. Whether your child has packed lunches or hot dinners at school, a bit of planning can take the stress out of the weekday rush.
Try sitting down together to make a simple weekly lunch plan - it gives children a say in what they’re eating and can help avoid lunchbox boredom. Having a few go-to options ready also means you’re less likely to be caught short on a Monday morning.
Don’t forget to check your school’s policies on snacks and allergies. Many are now nut-free, and some have specific rules about what can and can’t be brought in.
9. Make Time for a Little One-on-One
Between buying uniforms, labelling shoes and figuring out timetables, it’s easy to forget the most important part: how your child is feeling about it all.
A quiet chat can go a long way. Ask what they’re looking forward to, what they’re worried about, or even just what they hope their new classroom looks like. It helps them feel heard - and shows you’re right there with them through the changes.
Top Tip:
You don’t necessarily need a big heart-to-heart. A five-minute check-in over breakfast or before bed is often all it takes to open the door.
10. Don’t Forget After-School Clubs & Activities
Back-to-school isn’t only about the classroom - clubs and activities quickly become part of the weekly juggle too. Including them in your planning is one of the often-overlooked back to school tips for parents that can make a big difference. Whether it’s football, dance, coding club or choir, it’s worth checking dates and sign-up details early on. Popular ones can fill up fast!
Make a note of any extra kit they’ll need and, you guessed it - label it all! From football boots to recorders, things have a habit of wandering.
Adding club times into your family calendar now helps avoid double-bookings and gives everyone a sense of routine from the get-go.
You’ve Got This!
The first few weeks back at school can feel like a bit of a marathon - and that’s completely normal. It takes time for everyone to adjust, and there will be mornings that don’t go to plan (you’re only human!).
The key is to stay flexible, be kind to yourself, and celebrate the little wins - like remembering the PE kit or making it out the door without tears.
And don’t forget, a few simple parenting tips can make back to school seem that little bit easier.