A new school year is just around the corner! Use this checklist to make sure your child is ready for September. A little preparation now can help make the start of the new school year less stressful for the whole family.
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✅ School Uniform
☐ Check that your child's uniform still fits.
☐ Find out whether your local council offers a School Uniform Grant.
☐ Ask your school if they have a pre-loved uniform shop or uniform swap scheme.
☐ School shoes
✅ Free School Meals
☐ Check if your child is eligible for Free School Meals.
☐ From September 2026, all children from families receiving Universal Credit may be eligible for Free School Meals in state-funded schools in England. If you think you qualify, apply as soon as possible.
✅ Breakfast Club & After School Club
☐ Check whether your school offers a Breakfast Club.
☐ Ask about After School Club availability.
☐ Find out if your child is eligible for a free or subsidised place.
✅ School Essentials
☐ School bag
☐ Pencil case
☐ Stationery (if required)
☐ PE kit
✅ Lunchbox & Water Bottle
☐ Lunchbox
☐ Reusable water bottle
☐ Healthy snacks (where permitted by your school)
✅ Update Your School Contact Details
☐ Check your phone number is up to date.
☐ Update your email address if it has changed.
☐ Inform the school if you have moved home.
✅ Emergency Contacts
☐ Make sure your emergency contact details are up to date.
☐ Many schools now ask parents to provide at least two emergency contacts who can collect your child if you are unavailable.
☐ Check that both contacts know they have been listed and that their phone numbers are correct.
✅ Health Information
☐ Tell the school about any allergies or medical conditions.
☐ Update details of any medication your child takes.
☐ Make sure any healthcare plans are current.
✅ School Transport
☐ Plan the journey to school.
☐ If your child is entitled to school transport, make sure everything is arranged before the first day.
✅ Get Back into a Routine
☐ Start earlier bedtimes a few days before school begins.
☐ Prepare school bags and uniforms the night before.
☐ Talk to your child about the new school year and answer any questions they may have.
✅ Financial Support for Families
☐ See if you can claim Tax-Free Childcare to help with childcare costs.
☐ Check your eligibility for Free Childcare Hours if you have younger children.
☐ If you're receiving Universal Credit, make sure you're claiming all the childcare support and benefits you're entitled to.
☐ Visit your local council's website to see if additional help is available, such as school uniform grants, Household Support Fund payments or other local welfare schemes.
For more information, visit the official GOV.UK website and search for the support schemes.
If you need advice or want to check your eligibility, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 14/08/2026.