Getting Ready for School – Uniforms With M&S

The first day of school is huge for a child, probably even bigger for the parent. I don’t know about you, but I think we worry more than the kids do. I was sick with nerves when Aria started school last week. With all the preparations she’s had before hand, from reading starting school books to taster sessions for the last 6 months and talking to her about what would happen, all helped. However, what made her most excited about starting school and feeling ready has to be her uniform. She was so excited to wear it. We got most of the school uniform from M&S. We are a big fan of their M&S school uniforms, they are tough wearing and look great. They have been making fantastic school uniforms for decades. I even spoke about my school memories and school uniforms last summer.

Aria has her school kilt pinafore, being a Scottish school they have this option. Her short sleeved blouses are fantastic, soft and wash great, they are an M&S classic. Also, her black cardigan is from M&S. Her uniform makes her feel grown up, smart, confident and a big girl ready to kick start her next milestone of starting school. What is important is that a child feels confident and comfortable in their uniform and she certainly does. It gives them what they need to feel grown up and ready. One thing I am new to this year, having had a child at primary for 6 years is girl school uniform shopping. This was a whole new ball game for me, but M&S site had it covered. I could get everything from pinafores, skirts, long socks, ankle socks and tights. Who knew there were so many combinations of footwear? Then came the biggest revelation a skort! Yes, a skort! Now I’d never heard of these before, but they are brilliant. It’s a pair of shorts with a school skirt over them. Perfect for new school ones who don’t want to be getting changed for gym, they can wear these in the morning and do gym in them. Also great for those girls who like to hang up side down or do constant hand stand like mine. Genius. This was my favourite tip for back to school.

The boys have gone for short sleeved shirts from M&S this year. They mean that they are less likely to get messy when drawing, writing and colouring in. No more grey sleeves for me to wash. This is a tip I’ve learnt over the last few years. I also love their trousers. Both my boys are tall and with being extremely active, they are very slim, especially on the waist. Their trousers can be adjusted at the waist and at the hem. Brilliant tip for growing kids, you will be surprised by how much they grow over the year. Always buy slightly bigger as you can adjust in an up, but you can’t add on. Also, I love the fact that M&S trousers feature Triple Action Stormwear™ which keeps the wearer dry in the rain and helps to repel mud and stains.  Now my boys are constantly playing football, granted it’s on astroturf these days, but it helps.

What I’ve also seen on the M&S range this year is that they have developed an Easy Dressing range, with the National Autistic Society. The range has touches like soft elastic waistbands on trousers and skirts. Hidden labels in shirts and polo shirts for extra comfort, as well as shirts that have Velcro fastening instead of buttons. A great idea.

My kids are back into the swings of things having been back for a week now. Homework is picking up, as is the after school activities. The school term is busy and one you want your child to enjoy. My tips would be to talk to them about school and what is going to happen as much as possible. Allow them to have a say in what they are going to be wearing to school. It will make them feel important and when they put that uniform on, they will feel special, confident and you will see that big beaming smile.

I’d love to know what your tips are to ensure your child has a confident first day of school?

Disclosure: We received the samples for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a featured post.