Starting reception can be a nerve-wracking time for children – meeting new people, learning new things, and getting used to wearing a school uniform. Here are some tips to help your child get used to the idea of wearing a uniform and feeling positive about it.
Involve your child in the process
Take your child shopping for their school uniform and give them some choices. Allow them to choose a few items that they like and feel comfortable in. This will help them feel more invested in the process and build excitement for the first day of school.
Have fun with it
Turn shopping for a school uniform into a fun experience. Let your child try on different outfits and take photos if they want to.
Talk about the benefits
Explain the benefits of wearing a school uniform, such as feeling part of a team and reducing the time it will take choosing what to wear each day. This will help your child understand why they need to wear a uniform and feel excited to be part of their school community.
Practise putting it on
Encourage your little one to try on their uniform before school starts. Get them to practise putting their coat on, doing up zips and buckles and changing into their PE kit. This will help them practise for when they’re changing at school or going to the toilet. It will also help them get used to the feel and fit of the clothes.
Make it more familiar
Washing your child’s new school uniform with your usual detergent will make it smell familiar and could make them feel more comfortable. You could even allow them to spend some time at home wearing their new uniform before starting school to help build familiarity, too.
Adjust where needed
If your child is struggling with how their uniform feels, you might need to make some adjustments. Cutting labels out, choosing seamless versions of things like socks, or finding more sensory- friendly alternatives for some items could help your child if they are struggling. Asda and Marks & Spencer both sell school uniform ranges designed with sensory-friendly fabrics and easy fastenings. You can always speak to someone at the school if you have any queries or concerns about adhering to school uniform rules.
Cost-saving
School uniforms can be expensive. Look out for second-hand clothing available through your school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) , as well as any advertised through local second-hand uniform schemes. We recommend researching your local authority’s' discretionary grants if you need help meeting the costs of school uniform.
Remember, getting your child excited about their school uniform is just one part of helping them feel confident and prepared for their transition into reception. Be sure to also talk to them about the new experiences and friends they will make and help them feel supported and encouraged throughout the transition period.
Resources:
https://www.allaboutsensory.com/how-school-uniform-affects-sensory-issues/
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2021/11/19/school-uniforms-what-you-need-to-know/
https://direct.asda.com/george/collections/easy-on-easy-wear-school/D28M110G1C3,default,sc.html
https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/kids/easy-dressing
