It really doesn’t seem that long ago since we took POD to nursery for the first time aged 11 months. Yet here we are with just a few weeks to go until she starts school. It will be a big change having spent over three years at the same place but one I’m sure it will be good for her. POD has been ready for school for some months now and she’s desperate to learn how to read.
POD is a sociable and independent child. She has a great personality and despite not turning five until Christmas Day, she knows exactly what she wants especially when it comes to clothes. She’s not always right of course! POD has turned into a girly girl but she’ll always be the first up a tree given the opportunity. She’s an active four year old who has a fondness for climbing and jumping hence nicknaming her ‘Danger Dove’ when she was younger!
It’s taken a little while to convince her she’s not going to Peppa Pig School. Up until recently she was sure she was going to be taught by Madame Gazelle and be best friends with Peppa Pig. We’ve also had lots of discussions around school uniform as she’s been able to wear what she likes while she’s been at nursery and pre-school. At the moment pretty dresses are certainly the most favoured.
As POD isn’t starting at the local school with her friends, it’s important she feels good in her uniform. From the style to the fit to the quality. Marks and Spencer is a brand I’ve trusted for a very long time and they’ve certainly thought of everything when it comes to making life easier for parents. Their Scallop Edge Polo Shirt is cotton so it’s gentle on POD’s skin. It’s also treated with Stain Away™ which works to protect the shirts against stains. Perfect for POD who is notoriously messy when it comes to arts, crafts and painting!
The Girl’s City Shorts, Permanent Pleat Skirts and Zip Pocket Trousers are stylish, crease resistant and have adjustable waistbands. Triple Action Stormwear™ is used to repel water, oil and release stubborn stains. This is brilliant for us as we’ll be travelling to POD’s new school by bus and by foot, like every other four year old, she can’t resist a muddy puddle!
POD has had a few lovely pairs of shoes in the past but with all her clambering around, they get scuffed within weeks. These Scuff Resistant Coated Leather Shoes from Marks and Spencer have a finish keeps the shoes looking newer for longer.
Not only that their Freshfeet™ technology keeps feet fresh by combating the bacteria that cause odours. This is music to my ears as POD’s feet have a tendency to pong if she wears the wrong kind of footwear. These shoes also have a cushioned insock and breathable lining – as you can imagine she’s already given them a good test run!
Marks and Spencer has some wonderful school dresses which come in a choice of colours. POD loves this Permanent Pleat Traditional Pinafore so much she wants to wear it before school starts!
Like the shorts, trousers and skirt above, it too has the Triple Action Stormwear™ finish that helps repel stains. It’s also crease resistant so those wonderful pleats will stay.
The Ultimate Non-iron Short Sleeve Blouses have Stain Away™ technology to help stains wash out more easily. They have a boned collar, patch pocket, curved hem and taped seams. There is velcro instead of a top button (although a top button is still visible) will make getting dressed much easier. The Ultimate Non-iron Long Sleeve Blouses are also the perfect time saver plus they have Expandicuff™ elasticated cuffs making them easier to pull on.
The lined Permanent Pleat Bib Pinafore is another item with Triple Action Stormwear™ to repel water, oil and stubborn stains plus it will keep POD dry if she gets caught in a rain shower. Like the the rest of the Marks and Spencer back to school range, it is crease resistant, machine washable and it can go in the tumble dryer.
Truth be told I was a little nervous about POD trying on a uniform as it’s so far from what’s she’s used to. But she loved everything – even the white shirts which I have to admit I was quite surprised about! Marks and Spencer has certainly got it right when it comes to saving parents time and creating a uniform that will meet the demands POD puts upon her clothes. A huge thumbs up from the Doves.
The Marks and Spencer Back to School range is crease resistant, machine washable and it can go in the tumble dryer. To view the full girls and boys ranges, please visit their website.
Disclaimer: We were sent a selection of pieces from the Marks and Spencer Back to School range for the purpose of this review. Opinions are our own.
That is such a cute uniform! My two go to an international school and don’t wear a uniform and they are so jealous of those that do have them! I wonder whether they would say that if they had to wear one though! š
M&S are brilliant. Love the look of their back to school range. I went to Asda for my sons uniform, wish we had a Marks and Spencer closer or I would have went there instead x
I’ve never had to deal with school uniforms, either for myself (my school even though it was in UK didn’t have one!) or for my kids as they’re at school in France. Sometimes I think it would be fun, but the girls stuff is always more interesting than the boys and I only have boys, so I think over all I’m better off without!
I never knew M&S did School Uniforms, but this one does look fab x
Aww she looks so smart! She’s rocking those purple tights too! #fashionista
Doesn’t she look grown up in it? The uniform looks so smart.
Awww she look adorable in her uniform, hope she settles into school really well x
Oh my God Charley, she is just too cute. I feel for you darling, such an emotional time. Plenty of tissues and cake ready for the big day….Wish I lived nearer xxxxx
Great pictures! She’s a beauty
Gorgeous photos. I can’t believe they are starting school!
I adore traditional girls schoolwear, she looks so grown up. I remember the pinafores I used to wear and culottes that my mum made too! We have gone back to M&S for schoolwear this year with the boys. They tear through trousers at a rate of knots
She looks so sweet in it all. I hadn’t realised they do shoes, I like the look of those ones!
Oh, Charly, little POD looks so grown up! The uniform looks terrific – how stylish to have city shorts and a traditional pinafore as well as sensible scuff proof shoes. Good old M & S!
Aww POD looks so grown up and smart! Fab uniform
I adore the shorts but Eliza would refuse to wear them – only a dress will do. She looks so grown up now
she looks so grown up x
M & S is my choice always for school uniform
She looks adorable in her school uniform and I hope she settles in smoothly and happily in to school life! x
Pod looks gorgeous in her uniform! Shame it isn’t Peppa Pig school. I think that would be fun!
Beautiful pics – great uniform! So grown up. My daughter, aged 13, is still wearing M&S for school š
Where has the time gone? We just did a trial run with our M&S uniforms today, and I welled up. Growing up too fast!
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