It doesn’t seem five minutes since I captured POD in her first school uniform this time last year. Much of that summer had been a time of uncertainty after she didn’t get a place at the local school but we went with the flow. As it happens, the school she ended up at exceeded our expectations in that the teachers have been outstanding.
POD didn’t have the best start to reception but she ended the school year with the most superb report. In fact I was so proud I think I cried two lines in – silly I know! We did so well on the last day of term, said thank to her teacher and the amazing teaching assistants, and parted ways leaving gifts. Pick-up should have been simple and it was until POD walked out of the classroom door. But then she lost it…properly lost it, wailed in fact! And like a domino effect, everyone else became teary eyed too, although it didn’t last long. It kind of epitomises what a year its been.
Unlike last summer, POD knows exactly where she’s going in September. She knows where her Year 1 classroom is and she’s met her teacher. While there’s no denying how much of an impact her first teacher has had on her, she’s more than ready for this next stage. And excited too which is the main thing. Of course POD is still full of character, and a little cheeky at times, but that’s why everyone loves her!
Her Year 1 uniform consists of a branded school cardigan, grey pinafore dress or skirt, white polo shirt, grey tights and black shoes. Given last year’s uniform from Marks and Spencer has pretty much lasted all of reception, it was an obvious choice. As an active five year old with a love for climbing and jumping, her uniform has certainly been put through its paces. It still fits her too, amazing given she’s grown like a string bean over recent months!
The Marks and Spencer uniform is quality through and through – great value for money too. These white polo shirts (£7-13 for a 2 pack) are made from 100% and feature Stainaway™ technology which helps release mud and stains. Each has a scallop edge collar, front button fastening and side vents.
We’ve totally fallen in love with the pinafore dresses in the Marks and Spencer back to school collection. The traditional Pinafore with permanent pleats and Triple Action Stormwear™ is our favourite (£10-14). Not only does this knee length pinafore help repel and release mud and stains – its crease resistant technology to ensure POD stays super smart. And dry in rain showers too! You can also pop it in the washing machine – talk about making it easy!
Coupled with her pinafores are grey tights with Freshfeet™ technology (£9-11 for a 3 pack). They combat odour which is great because POD’s feet do get stinky on occasions – even if the rest of her smells lovely. For warmer days, we have some white knee-length socks (£7-8 for 5 pairs) with the same Freshfeet™ technology. Marks and Spencer has a range of school shoes too. These Freshfeet™ scuff resistant cross-bar shoes are reasonably priced (£22-26) and a great match given POD’s energy levels. They’re really comfy as well, she’s already worn them barefoot with her pyjamas!
As POD is able to wear a grey pinafore dress or a skirt, we went with both options. Like our favourite pinafore dress, the traditional skirt (£9-14) has permanent pleats & Stormwear™. As well as the crisp pleats, it has an adjustable waistband and much to POD’s delight – a pocket! In addition to the uniform itself, we’ve also got her some cycling shorts for sport and her first pair of plimsols! She is all set for Year 1 now – just the labelling of it all to do now.
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Marks and Spencer – check out their website to see the girls and boys Back to School collection. All opinions are our own.
