AT Home with Jo Frost - July 2011 - (Page 216)

| slug | Back to school Making sure your child has everything she needs for the start of the school year doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Follow our tips and you’ll pass the shopping test with flying colours The UK SChOOL UnIFORM MARKeT IS wORTh £694M, A STUdy ShOwS fter splashing out too much on the family summer holiday the last thing you’ll want is a hefty bill for your child’s school uniform before the school year starts again in September. But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune, if you follow a few simple shopping rules. First, don’t run the risk of waiting until the last minute to buy, as high street shops could well run out of staples. Also, avoid peak times when you know shops will be busy. Instead, buy sooner rather than later and browse when the aisles are quieter and you can take a bit of time. The cheapest option could well be good-quality hand-me-downs or a bargain from a local car boot sale. But if you do decide to buy a brand-new set of clothes, try the big supermarket chains first. Some of these have recently been offering all-in deals for around £10. First off, try Asda, Matalan, Morrison’s and Primark. Look out for non-iron items, as these will save time at home. M&S is selling adjustable-waist trousers ranging in size and Primark, too, offers stretch-fabric trousers. Most supermarket chains are in fierce competition with each other to offer the cheapest deals, so bargains are definitely to be had. Tesco, Matalan and Bhs have been offering bundles, where you can mix and match items for a set price. Compare prices carefully, though, some supermarkets have not only been charging higher prices for bigger sizes, but also different prices depending on whether you are buying underwear for a girl or a boy. One thing you can’t scrimp on, however, is shoes. Avoid buying these second hand because a used pair of shoes could cause permanent damage to your child’s feet. Get your child’s feet measured so you get a pair that fits her feet properly; try John Lewis or Clarks for a fitting. M&S or Asda are also worth a look for footwear. Round off your trip by picking out some of the following fun stationery items and your child will have all she needs to go straight to the top of the class. A 216 | july 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AT Home with Jo Frost - July 2011

EDITOR’S LETTER
HELLO FROM JO FROST
NOTEBOOK NEWS
JAM-PACKED JULY
FAMILY FORTUNES
OUT AND ABOUT
MUNCH BUNCH
LET’S PARTY!
TOP TOOLS
EXTREME PARENTAL GUIDANCE
FIRST-TIME MUMS
ROUTINE CHECKS
YEAR ONE
MAGNIFICENT MILESTONES
GETTING ABREAST OF IT
BOTTLE IT UP
GREEN BABY
SKIN SOLUTIONS
SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
GOING SOLID
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
BABY ON THE MOVE
FASHION FORWARD
BREAK THE HABIT
SIBLING WARS
BOOK SMART
BEST BEDROOMS
FOOD FOES
UNDER THE WEATHER
PERFECT PLAY
TOP OF YOUR GAME
TRENDY TOTS
GET READY FOR SCHOOL
ACTING THEIR AGE
MAKE SCHOOL COOL
ALL GROWN UP?
CYBER SPACE
IMAGE CONSCIOUS
LOVE YOUR LUNCHBOX
I DO IT MY WAY
THE BIG PICTURE
BACK TO WORK
JOB QUEST
CAREER WITH KIDS
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...
NURSERY TALES
BODY BOOST
PET PROUD
KIDS’ STUFF
FAMILY FUN
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
COMING SOON
HELP ME NANNY JO!
SAFETY FIRST
WOW FACTOR
CRAFT CORNER
HOT OFFERS
STOCKISTS

AT Home with Jo Frost - July 2011