Ready for school
Get ahead start in preparing for the new school year!
Checklist
Have you organised:
School Uniforms
Kitting your child out for the new school year can be expensive, but it doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are some ways to reduce the burden, save some money, and give the environment a helping hand.
Make sure to check the uniform policy and dress code at your school.
Spread the cost
Spread the cost of the back to school shop with a School Uniform loan which can be repaid over a year from HEY Credit Union.
Swaps & sales events
Uniform events, and local Facebook groups are a great way to donate, sell or swap, or pick up a pre-loved uniform in good condition. Your school might have donated uniforms available for parents to take.
Supermarket sales
Keep an eye on uniform sales at your local supermarket!
If your school’s uniform policy allows unbranded school clothing, your local supermarket might be the most affordable option.
Recycle
Don’t throw away uniforms in good condition. Consider reusing, recycling, or donating them. You can contribute to a local school uniform swap or sale event, offer them in a school uniform Facebook group, or ask your school if they accept used uniforms.
SCHOOL MEALS
What your child eats can affect their behaviour and their ability to learn.
Breakfast
Whether it’s at home or on the go, having breakfast is a great way to start your child’s day.
Try a quick and healthy breakfast recipe. Or, for those rushed morning, stock up on some grab-and-go options.
Some schools offer a breakfast club for children to attend before their first lesson. Find out if your school has a breakfast club.
Lunch
Packed lunch or school dinners. Children sitting down together and enjoying their meal can help develop their social skills.
Free School Meals
Every child receives the universal infant free school meals (UIFSM).
From junior school (year 3) you must check if you are entitled to free school meals.
If you are not entitled to free school meals, you can pay for your child to have a hot dinner at school, or you can send them with a packed lunch.
Have a look at some healthy packed lunch ideas which are quick and easy to prepare.
Getting to school
Walking, cycling or scooting to school is all part of your child’s recommended activity for the week.
Practise your journey to school until your child is familiar with the route. Talk about the dangers like roads and talking to strangers.
NSPCC has advice for parents who are considering allowing their child to make their own way to and from school.
Walk to school week – 19 to 23 May 2025
Lincs Inspire
Lincs Inspire Sports Development coaches offer one to one sessions to for children aged 5 and over to build their confidence and improve their cycling skills to ride independently.
Lincs Inspire one-to-one coaching
Cycle Hub Lincs
Cycle Hub Lincs is available for all your cycling maintenance needs! Book your bike in for a service, repair or safety check.
Pop up events
The Doctor Bike team are often invited to attend local events in their pop-up workshop. The team offer bike safety checks and can do minor repairs at no cost whilst you wait. For major issues that cannot be fixed on the spot, technicians can provide an estimated cost for repairs at the Cycle Hub headquarters.
Keep up to date with upcoming events and sale offers on the Cycle Hub Lincs Facebook.
Bus
Taking the bus to school is a good alternative when walking or cycling isn’t an option. It can encourage punctuality and a sense of responsibility for children and young people.
Stagecoach offer a 7 day MegaRider to young people for £14 which allows unlimited travel around Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham, Healing, Brocklesby, Holten Le Clay, Irby and Ulceby,.
School bus
Your child might be eligible for free home to school transport if:
- the nearest school is further away than the statutory walking distance
- required to walk on an unsafe route to school
- entitled to free school meals
- unable to walk to school because of their educational needs, disability or mobility needs
See the school transport page for more information and to apply.
Managing emotions
For parents and children
It’s important to seek support if you feel like your emotions are getting too much.
For children, it’s easy to become anxious or worried about school. There’s lots of support available for children and young people.
Support for young people who are struggling with anxiety, exam stress, and more.
Provide low intensity one-to-one interventions to children and young people aged 5-19 with mild-to-moderate emotional health and mental health wellbeing needs.
Lots of advice for parents and carers for every stage of your child’s life.
Getting your child ready for the new school term advice
Support for those difficult and sometimes lonely days.
Offer free mental health support for people in North East Lincolnshire.