The big day is coming up: your child’s very first day of school! Excitement is in the air, and of course, you want everything to go smoothly. Whether you’ve been counting down the days or wondering how time flew by so quickly, it’s natural to want this milestone to be a positive and memorable experience.
To help you and your child feel calm, confident and ready, we’ve put together a helpful first-day-of-school checklist. From school gear and supplies to emotional prep and little celebration ideas, this guide covers everything you’ll need to make the day a success.
What should be on your first day of school checklist? Besides a comfortable, well-fitting backpack and the right school supplies, the checklist also includes clothing that’s suitable for the weather, snacks or a packed lunch, and a few extras to help your child feel at ease. A little emotional prep can go a long way, too, as well as taking the time to reflect and celebrate together after that big first day.
Starting school is a huge step for both kids and parents. Let’s make sure you’ve got everything covered, so your child feels confident, cared for and ready to begin this exciting new chapter.
Your Ultimate First Day of School Checklist
Let’s begin with what you’ll want to take care of in the days and weeks before school starts.
Before the First Day
There are a few key dates to mark on your calendar early on:
- School start date
- Parent orientation or back-to-school night
- Any welcome events organised by the school
These events will help you stay informed and connected. Using a digital calendar app with reminders is a great way to keep track of everything.
Now’s also the time to shop for everything your child will need. From a spacious, comfortable backpack and school supplies to clothing and sports gear, it’s best to start early so there’s no last-minute panic. You’ll find most items at big-box stores, office supply shops, or online.
When buying school supplies, go for quality – sturdy pencils, notebooks, and folders are worth the extra few pounds. For the backpack, look for ergonomic designs that support your child’s back and shoulders comfortably.
If your child is starting to feel nervous, that’s completely normal. A few simple activities can help ease the nerves and boost excitement:
- Play School Together: Take turns playing the teacher and student, as this will help your child get familiar with what to expect.
- School-Themed Games: Try a memory game with school-themed cards or have a book scavenger hunt to pick out new reads.
- Write a Letter: Sit down together and write a note to your “future student.” Fill it with kind wishes, fun goals and encouragement.
- Library Adventure: Go on a little outing to pick up school books so it feels more like a mission than a chore.
These small rituals help kids feel more in control, and your emotional support shows them they’re not doing this alone.
On the First Day of School
Outfits:
Choose something comfortable and weather-appropriate—and make sure it’s something your child loves to wear! Soft, breathable clothes and well-fitting shoes are key. Add a jacket or jumper if it might be chilly, and pack a change of clothes just in case (spills and surprises happen!).
Packing the Backpack:
Backpacks should be well-organised and not too heavy. Pack heavier items close to the back, and use the outer compartments for smaller items. Do a quick check the night before to make sure everything’s in place.
Here’s what your child may need in their backpack:
School Supplies:
- Backpack
- Pencil case with pens, pencils, erasers and a sharpener
- Notebooks and folders
- Ruler, scissors, glue stick
- School books (as assigned)
- Calculator (if needed)
Clothing & Gear:
- Weather-appropriate outfit
- Change of clothes
- Gym clothes (T-shirt, trainers, shorts or joggers)
Food & Drink:
- Lunchbox with a healthy snack or sandwich
- Reusable water bottle
Extras:
- Class schedule
- Homework planner
- Keys or bus pass (if needed)
- Name labels for school supplies, lunchbox and water bottle
Speaking of labels – if your child ever lost a favourite item in nursery, you know how frustrating that can be. Labelling everything clearly helps keep belongings out of the lost-and-found. You’ll find fun and durable name labels on Hipi.co.uk. Want to know how to make the most of your labels? Learn more about their benefits and get helpful tips on how to apply and care for them in this article.
Before the big day, review the route to school and walk or drive it together. Talk about the schedule, meet the teacher if possible and reassure your child that they’ll get the hang of things quickly.
After the First Day
Once your child is back home, take time to talk about how the day went. Sit down together and ask questions like:
- What was the best part of your day?
- Did anything surprise you?
- Was there anything tricky or confusing?
Looking at photos from the morning or unpacking the backpack together can also open up the conversation.
Celebrate the moment! Praise your child for being brave and curious. A small surprise, like a fun craft kit, a colourful alarm clock, or a personalised pencil set with our Pencil Labels, can make the day feel extra special and useful for the days ahead.
Celebrate This New Chapter Together
After all the prep, it’s time to celebrate the big step your child just took. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a dinner with family or a movie night with their favourite snacks, find a way to make the start of school feel exciting and important.
This is a day your child will always remember, not just for what they did, but for how it felt. With a little planning and a lot of heart, you can help make it the beginning of something wonderful.
