Getting ready for Pre-School and some stylish little essentials!

September. A fresh start. I have always loved that September feeling. A kind of autumn ‘spring clean’ when you can get organised and get your ‘act’ together. 

Maybe it’s the back to school feeling that has been ingrained in us all since we were young – I know it is for me. And, this September sees Miss Marnie starting pre-school.

Now, I know this isn’t as big a leap as actually starting school – but for a toddler it sure feels like it.

Although, I think our transition will be relatively easy as she has been attending nursery since she was about a year old and her pre-school is within the same building.

So, technically Miss M is moving rooms and will have pre-school teachers rather than nursery carers.

We’ve been talking about it and ‘I’m a big girl’ has been coming up a lot. She’s already realising she’s not a baby anymore – and so am I. 

When we went along to the parents open evening I almost shed a tear when they talked us though the day to day schedule, what they would be learning (phonics anyone?? this confuses me greatly), what activities they would be doing (P.E, cooking and maths lessons) and the fact that they would be in a Christmas show. 

The  mention of the Christmas show was the bit that got me – OMG where has my little baby gone? She’s going to be in a pre-school play…(better get that sheep/goat costume ready – I was always a tree at school?)

So, putting that to the back of my mind for now I concentrated on the practical side.

That being what we needed to buy. I have to admit I was quite excited to go shopping for her pre-school bits and pieces (although my credit card wasn’t) so here’s some of what we’re be packing for pre-school when Miss Marnie finally goes full time next week.

mamasVIB Pre-School Essentials

RAINCOAT – A bright colour or pattern will ensure it’s easy for them to spot (!) in the cloakroom

Spotty raincoat – Boden

SCOOTER – Not sure if this will help or hinder the walk to pre-school but it will make Miss M feel more grown-up than her buggy

Scooter – Micro-Scooters

WELLINGTONS – Again a bright colour will hopefully make them identifiable – and these ones have pull-up handles which will make it easier for toddlers to put on themselves.

Wellingtons – Mothercare

BACKPACK – A fun backpack will make them feel grownup and is perfect for P.E kits, extra clothing and for bringing home the pre-school bear!

Padded rucksack – Cath Kidston

TOOTHBRUSH & TOOTHPASTE – We’ve been asked to supply these so teeth can be brushed about 30-mins after lunchtime (straight after eating damages teeth- don’t you know!) It’s also to teach them hygiene and personal care. Miss M loves brushing her teeth so any excuse to do it a few more times a day suits us all.

Toothbrush and toothpaste – Aquafresh at Boots

POLO SHIRTS – I have got these for P.E lessons and this multi-pack ensures we always have a clean one. Plus aren’t these what every new school kid has – so cute.

Polo shirts – Next

JOGGERS – I really like these plain and simple jogging bottoms for her P.E lessons (or in case of accidents). They also come in navy.

Joggers Mothercare

PLIMSOLLS – These rip-tape fastening pumps will be easy for Miss M to get on and off – as part of the reason they are doing P.E is to get them used to dressing and undressing themselves. A little more expensive than traditional pull-on daps – but I want her to be comfortable and not make this situation more stressful for her.

Doodles Plimsolls Clarks

NAME LABELS – Iron-on, machine and tumble dryer safe – these are the modern version of those retro sew in versions. As you can choose designs, colours and even have matching stickers made (ideal for shoes, bags and lunch boxes)

Name labels Tiny-Me

PHONICS BOOK – This is actually for me as I have no clue about phonics – it wasn’t how I was taught at primary school. So, this is to help me understand what she will be learning and saying…

Finger Phonics Book Amazon

Anything I have forgotten? Please tell me……