Five ways to kit out your kids with essentials for school return

HOME schooling has ended – and parents everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief.

But getting ready for the kids to go back to school brings its own problems too.

It's not too late to do last minute uniform shopping as schools return — It’s not too late to do last minute uniform shopping as schools returnCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Making sure uniforms and shoes still fit and that the kids still have the right equipment has been made much harder, as many shops are still shut.

So here’s how you can stock up on a range of essentials.

KITTED OUT: If you’re doing a mad dash for school shoes, head to schuh.co.uk and you’ll get £10 off a second pair.

Many people are unaware of clarksoutlet.co.uk, which also has some brilliant offers.

Matalan.co.uk has school polo shirts from £3 per two-pack and you can find PE kit at Asda, with plimsolls from £2.50 and gingham summer dresses for £6 when a very similar dress is £10 at John Lewis.

SNACK HAPPY: A new lunchbox will get your kids off to a good start and you needn’t fork out a fortune for one they’ll love.

Asda has a great range of lunchboxes and bags, many with rollback prices.

Get a Frozen or Trolls-themed one for £6, down from £7.

There’s also a plainer camo bag for £5, down from £6. SAVING: £1

Schoolbags and lunchboxes are available at discount prices

CASE CLOSED: Kids love a new pencil case for the start of term — and we all know how they often draw all over their old ones.

I really like the selection at Wilko, starting at just £3.

There’s a fun, large, fluffy option for just £3 — I’ve seen similar sold at John Lewis for £10. SAVING: £7

TOP DRAW: Every pencil case is better when well equipped, so make sure your kiddies have a good selection of colours.

Save pounds on coloured pens at Morrisons, where a pack of 24 Bic kids’ felt tip pens is just £3, while at Asda the same pack costs £5.

If they prefer pencils, Morrisons has a pack in the same size for £3 too — cheaper than buying one at Tesco for £3.50. SAVING: £2 on pens.

JOT A LOT: A planner or jotter is a school bag must-have and I find Tesco great for picking up these.

It has everything from plain pads to more bright and colourful options such as the Icons lockable notebook for just £3, is also perfect as a diary.

Similar locked pads cost around £8 at paperchase.com. SAVING: £5

– All prices correct at time of going to press. Deals, offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

THE new Progress Scandi Coffee Maker is now on offer on Amazon for £24.99 instead of £29.99.

SAVE: £5

Pukka Pies have a new bigger pie designed for sharing

CHEAP TREAT: Tuck into Pukka Just For Two chicken, ham and leek pie from Tesco for £2.

Down from £3 when you use Clubcard.

What’s new

B&M has launched its huge “Pet Event” and shoppers would be barking mad to miss out.

I particularly love its dog costumes, £6, for Easter – choose from a bunny, chick or sheep.

Or it has pirate and action hero options in sizes small to large, currently reduced to £3.

Top swap

The classic Le Creuset casserole dish costs £200

IF you reckon cast-iron casserole dishes are top of the pots you’ll love this.

The Le Creuset Signature round dish is £200 at John Lewis but at aldi.co.uk a similar-looking dish is £19.99.

SAVE: £180.01

Aldi do their own version for just £19.99

Giselle’s little helper

THE Royal Mint is giving away 95 commemorative £5 coins to celebrate the Queen turning 95 next month.

The giveaway is open to those also turning 95 this year, so if that includes a member of your family or a friend, nominations can be made via the Royal Mint website until 11am on April 19.