When summer comes to an end, parents need to think about supplies for the return to school. Of course, sometimes these extensive supplies can prove to be expensive.
Determine exactly what it is that the little ones need
Instead of buying everything and anything, it’s often wise to ring up the school and find out exactly what it is that your child needs to take in to school on their first day. You may already have a few old exercise books you can recycle or pens and pencil cases that can be used for at least another year.
Get the grandparents to help out
Many parents will take annual leave throughout the summer months, using such a free spell to spend some quality time with their children. However, when the kids go back to school, it’s often the case that the parents go back to their full-time jobs as well. This can mean there is nobody to meet the little ones at the school gate, or to have dinner on the table for them when they come in. With this in mind, it’s important to come up with a few money-saving tips that don’t require you to invest in expensive child-minding options.
Instead of cutting down the hours you work, why not ask your parents for help? Grandparents adore spending time with their grandchildren and they are also unlikely to charge for this time – unlike a babysitter or a nanny. If you work on the weekends, on the way to the office you may even choose to drop the children off at the McCarthy and Stone property where their grandparents live. This way you’ll know they’re in safe hands.
Look out for hefty fees
It seems that school fees tend to increase each and every year; with this in mind it’s always wise to have a back-up fund in place. Instead of settling for the first school you come across, it’s important to shop around. Take into consideration any areas your child specializes in, as they may prefer to go to a drama school or music school instead of a more sport-orientated establishment. Certain schools will even offer bursaries or scholarships in order to attract the right child, which is when such a talent often comes in handy and can mean the place costs little or nothing.
Until next time,
Jada x