Back To School....kerching!

Summer is just flying by this year.  It’s that time when all parents start to think about the new School year, whether that is because they are getting organized, or simply need to cling to the idea that their routine will return some time soon!  

When planning the return to School, everyone wants to make the pennies go as far as possible and so its always worth shopping around to see where you can get the best prices.  

It is likely that you will mainly be after two things; clothing and stationary.  

For stationary, Shepton has but one option these days - Martin the Newsagents in Town Street.  You are likely to be able to find all you need here, but if not, you can always shop around when looking for non-specified/generic clothing items.

Clothing will include uniform and shoes.  For shoes, many will take a trip to Clarks Village in Street.  Here at the Clarks factory shop you can get some bargains.  At the main Clarks shop you can get your child measured up by specially trained staff using a computerized machine designed just for the job.  Once measured, its not exactly cheating to go to the factory shop and see if you can find suitable footwear at a reduced price.  It is worth then asking a member of staff to check your childs toes and gate, and then you are getting the best of what Clarks offer at a bargain price.

For the main uniform, it depends on the School.  At Shepton Infants (Waterloo Road School) they have a mini shop at the office where you can buy named sweatshirts, t-shirts, PE bags and sun hats, for example.  If your child is at Whitstone, or at Bowlish Infants, uniform comes from MJSports in the Town.  This aspect of the uniform is designed to be inflexible to protect the smart image of the School, but can get expensive.  The ‘Friends of Whitstone’ do an appeal for used uniform (kids grow up so fast) so there is a chance that you can get some pre-worn blazers etc.  The School are aware of the cost issue and are considering ways to lessen the impact on the parental purse.

The way to reduce the overall spend on School clothing is to try and get bargains on non-specified items.  Here a bit of creativity is called for and a visit to major supermarkets, discount clothing stores or even eBay  (which has a devoted clothing section) might be the order of the day. 

What do you think about the ‘back to school’ costs for a child returning (or going for the first time) to a School in or around Shepton?  Is it over the top?  Is there enough choice, or freedom to make the choices, while remaining withing the confines of the prescribed uniform?  Let us know.  Also, if you have money saving tips, share them so others can benefit (and don't forget to include 'www' links if there are websites).