School Uniform: Tips & tricks to make back-to-school hassle-free

Get your child’s uniform sorted with ease this year with our latest blog on the dos and don’ts of schoolwear.

Date:

17 August, 2023

Help with School Uniform

When we’re kids, the summer holidays feel like they go on forever. Days are spent enjoying the sun, playing out with friends until the light fades and its tea-time or catching up with family and friends at a barbecue.

As a parent however, those six weeks go by in a flash! By the time September comes, it’s all hands to the pump to get the kids ready for the new school year. Why does it feel like the back to school checklist keeps getting longer?

To get ahead, now’s the best time to start sorting out their school uniform before they return to the classroom. Start small, picking up the essentials in one fell swoop, or drip-buy them over the course of the long break. Either way, we’ll be thankful we were so organised when the summer break ends. There’s nothing worse than a last minute shopping trip when there are no good sizes left on the shelves with frustrated kids trying to get everything they need. So let’s save ourselves the stress.

Before buying brand new, it’s worth checking if any items of school uniform from last year still fit. Any that don’t can be passed down to younger siblings or swapped with family and friends.

Some schools even offer second-hand purchase schemes or swap-shops for school uniform. Schools must adhere to legal guidance on how much school uniforms should cost. If we’re struggling to afford any part of the school uniform, it’s best to get in touch with the headteacher. They can signpost any available support if we need it.

School uniforms can be expensive to buy outright, so a school uniform grant can help ease the monetary burden. For those of us living in England, we can contact our local council to see if they’re able to offer any support. If we are in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland follow the highlighted links for guidance. Although schools decide their own uniform policy, there should be no noteworthy different in price between school uniforms for girls and boys.

In the rare instance a policy discriminates against a child, Government guidance suggests we check our rights on protected characteristics. Any concerns should be flagged to the school, but in extreme cases, we can contact the Department of Education for further clarification.

School Uniform Shop: What You Need to Know

  • Use name labels: It’s so easy for kids to lose their uniforms, or mix them up with another student’s. Using name labels means it’s more likely the right school uniforms will be coming home with them at the end of the day. Alternatively, save money by writing on reverse of the care label.
  • Uniform rotation: If possible, buy multiple sets of school uniform for rotational wear. This reduces the need to frequently wash clothing, ensuring the longevity of garments.
  • Uniform maintenance kit: In case of emergencies, keep a small kit full of essentials handy. Spare buttons, basic sewing kit, stain remover solution and safety pins are must-haves for quick fixes.
  • Regular washing and proper care: Follow the care instructions on the garment label for the best results. Using a gentle cycle, with cold water and mild detergent, helps prevent colour fading, as well as overall fabric damage. Harsh chemicals, bleach and certain fabric softeners can weaken the fabric over time.
  • Pre-treatment of stubborn stains: Accidents happen. As soon as we notice a stain on a school uniform, acting swiftly reduces the impact. If we’re not sure about the best treatment for a specific stain, check the uniform's care label, or search for stain removal tips based on the stain type.
  • Proper storage: Looking after school uniforms at home can significantly improve their longevity. Ensure uniforms are completely dry before putting them away, preventing mould and mildew growth. If we have limited hanging space, carefully fold the uniforms and place them in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid overcrowding in storage to maintain the condition of the garments.
  • Room for growth: We should always consider leaving a bit of room for growth, especially when buying for younger children. There is no rule of thumb for this with clothing, try items on to ensure they are big but not too big. There is a rule of thumb for school shoes however. With your child’s foot in the heel box, use your thumb sideways to the end of their toes to check where their feet end. If the distance to the end of the shoe is one to one-and-a half thumb width, the shoes should be comfy with room to grow.
  • Preparing the night before: To save time in the morning, encourage the kids to get their uniforms sorted the night before so they just need to get up, get washed and get dressed. Say goodbye to last-minute stress in the mornings.

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