School Uniform Tips & Checklist

Buying school uniform feels like the first major step towards your child starting school becoming a reality. There is nothing quite like seeing your little one dressed in their first uniform. It will make them look more grown up than you thought was ever possible. As we’ve found from most things related to your child starting school, there is always a strong mix of emotions involved; simultaneously grieving the past whilst anticipating what the future holds.

 Our goal at Tales of Me is to help ease the transition to school in any way we can… for both children and parents/carers. So here are out top tips when it comes to buying uniform and a downloadable checklist of what and how much school uniform to buy.

School uniform requirements can vary between schools so the most important thing to do is to check the uniform list that the school provides. You will probably find it on the school website if you haven’t received a letter yet.

Uniform can be bought from supermarkets as well as specialised uniform shops. Supermarkets sell the basic clothes and the specialised uniform shops are the places to get items that need a school logo on them.

Top Tips

• Buy a size too big to make it last longer

• Keep an eye out for sales- All the major supermarkets do great deals on school uniform & they tend to start taking place from May onwards so make sure that you don’t miss out

• Many schools/PTA’s (Parent Teacher Associations), will organise pre-loved uniform sales where you can pick up some amazing bargains on often hardly worn items of clothing

• Buy school shoes in early August to make sure you get a good selection of choice before stock depletes. It also gives your child ample time to wear them in before school starts.

• Buy shoes with Velcro or simple buckles but not laces until they can confidently and consistently tie them independently.

• Buy clothes that your children can take on and off easily. If they struggle with buttons, then perhaps a polo shirt would be better.

• Label EVERYTHING… Absolutely EVERYTHING…Yes, even pants! Use a reliable way to label them too, there are lots of options out there, just make sure that they are permanent.

• Start playing games to help children dress independently. This needn’t be with school uniform yet though. Try playing lots of fancy dress and games involving getting cuddly toys and dolls dressed instead. Set extra challenges by turning clothes in the wrong way and get children to put them the right way before dressing their toy.

Rules and requirements for uniform vary from school to school but here is a guide to give you a rough idea of how much to buy. Click here for the downloadable list.

School Uniform List

The amounts on this list are a rough guide and will depend on different children. Some may come home covered in paint every day and some will manage to keep their uniform pristine for a whole week! You know your child so trust your judgement.

• 3 – 5 jumpers, cardigans or sweatshirts
• 3 – 5 long sleeved shirts
• 3 – 5 short sleeve shirts or polo shirts
• 3 – 5 trousers, shorts, skirts or pinafores
• 3 – 5 summer dresses
• 4 – 5 pairs of socks, tights
• School shoes
• Coat
• Summer hat
• Woolly hat, scarf and gloves

For some schools only:

• Tie
• Blazer 
• Fleece

PE Kit List

• 1 x PE Shorts
• 1 x t-shirt
• Plimsolls (may only be needed in the summer term so check before you buy)
• Socks
• PE Bag

Extras

• Book Bag (Some schools provide these so check with the school)
• Lunch Box
• Water Bottle

p.s. LABEL EVERYTHING!