Starting School Tips: Everything I Wish I’d Known As a Mum of Four

When your child is starting school for the very first time, it’s a huge milestone — and not just for them. As a parent, it can feel exciting, emotional, overwhelming, and a little bit terrifying all at once. I’ve done this four times now, with children who are all wonderfully different (and all neurodiverse), and I promise you, it does get easier when you know what to expect.

I’ve created loads of resources to support you through this transition, from checklists and routines to full planning systems and emotional prep for your child. You’ll find helpful links throughout this post — or you can explore everything inside my Organised Life Club.

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Visit the School Ahead of Time

Even if your school doesn’t offer an open day or settling-in session, it’s absolutely okay to call and ask for a visit. Walking the school grounds, seeing the classroom, and meeting the teacher ahead of time can make a huge difference — for your child and for you. If your child is autistic or gets anxious about change, this kind of preparation can really ease those worries.

Have a scroll through the school’s website and socials together. Many schools share photos, videos, and even little class updates online, which helps give your child a glimpse of what to expect. You can also use the visual tools inside the Super Awesome Back to School Pack for Kids to walk through what the school day will look like.

Start the Routine Early

Rather than jumping into that routine cold turkey in September, start easing into it ahead of time. Need help building a routine that works for your family? The Back to School Planner includes editable schedules and routine planning pages.

Figure out:

• What time you’ll need to leave the house each morning
• When lunch and snack time happens at school
• What bedtime needs to look like to make mornings work

Getting used to these rhythms before the first day makes a huge difference.

Free School Supplies Checklist

The Organised Back To School Planner & Workshop

If you want to go deeper and get a full system for back-to-school prep, the Organised Back to School Planner is for you. This isn’t just about uniforms — it’s everything from school routines, folders, and supplies, to setting your child up for success in secondary school (especially if they struggle with organisation or need extra support). I’ll walk you through it all in the Back to School Planning Workshop, which is included inside my Organised Life Club. You’ll get access to the full planner and workshop replay (or join live if you’re reading this before the 8th of August). If you’re a neurodiverse family like mine, this system can really take the pressure off. 

Super Awesome Back To School Pack For Kids

This one’s just for the children — and it’s seriously magical. The Super Awesome Back to School Pack for Kids is filled with fun, supportive printables designed to help your child feel calm, confident, and ready to start school again. From emotion check-ins and ‘about me’ pages to visual routines, mood trackers, and printable calm down cards, this pack is especially helpful for children with autism, ADHD, or big feelings about change. It’s a gentle, empowering way to prepare them for the school transition — and it’s included for all members inside the Organised Life Club.

Label Everything

Seriously — everything. If it goes to school and you ever want to see it again, label it. Uniform, water bottles, bags, shoes, cardigans, even pants. I use My Nametags and I’ve got a discount code for you: BAMummyOfFourUK15.

Top tip: I include my phone number on the labels too — especially helpful if your child is ever separated from you or if something gets left behind on a trip.

Send Spare Clothes (Even If They’re Fully Toilet Trained)

Pack a full change of clothes in their bag just in case: pants, socks, trousers or skirt, and even a spare top. Label these too!

You can track all your spares, uniform, PE kits and more using the free Back to School Checklist. It’s a total sanity-saver.

Get Five Sets of Uniform (If You Can)

If your school allows supermarket uniform, I highly recommend buying five of everything. It makes laundry, organisation and morning routines so much easier — especially if you’re working or have multiple children.

This tip is part of my complete system inside the Organised Back to School Planner, where you can prep uniforms, schedule laundry, and track lost items too.

Try Everything On (and Pre-Wash It!)

Especially if your child is neurodiverse or sensitive to textures, try everything on in advance. Wash new clothes so they smell familiar. Make sure tags and seams won’t cause discomfort.

You’ll find tips for prepping uniform (plus a sensory checklist) inside the Organised Life Club.

Talk About What to Expect

Watch shows like Woolly and Tig, Topsy and Tim, or Peppa Pig episodes about school. Use visuals from the Super Awesome Pack for Kids to walk through the routine. It includes printable routine charts, social story pages, and calm-down tools — perfect for easing those big first-day feelings.

Know the Schedule (and Apps!)

Ask the school for a basic weekly timetable and keep track of it somewhere visible. You can download and print editable weekly plans from the Back to School Planner to help with this.

While you’re at it, save all logins and app details in your Organised Life Binder or in your phone — because trust me, you’ll be asked for them when you least expect it!

Set Up a School Bag Station

We use IKEA Kallax units by the door with one labelled basket per child. All school bags, lunchboxes, and outdoor kits go here. You can find organisation labels and prep checklists inside the Organised Life Club if you’d like to set up your own.

Prepare for Drop-Off Emotions

Say a cheerful goodbye and leave quickly — even if you’re holding back tears. (Been there!)

Build a Relationship with the School

Get to know your child’s teacher. Attend events. Ask questions. If your child has additional needs, open that conversation early. I’ve included helpful prompts inside the Organised Life Club to support those conversations and advocate with confidence.

Don’t Panic About Homework

Your child might get homework — or they might just be expected to read. Either way, don’t stress. The best thing you can do? Read with your child every day.

Use the reading logs inside the Back to School Planner to keep track and celebrate progress.

Need More Support?

I’ve created a whole system to help parents like you feel calm, prepared, and supported through back-to-school season — especially if you’re parenting a neurodiverse child.

🗂️ Join the Organised Life Club and get:

• My full Organised Back to School Planner
• Access to the Back to School Planning Workshop (watch live or on replay)
• The Super Awesome Back to School Pack for Kids
• Exclusive printables, support, and a community of mums who just get it

🎒 Explore the club here: mummyoffour.com/SchoolPlanner

✅ Grab your FREE Back to School Checklist: mummyoffour.com/SchoolChecklist

You’ve got this — and I’ve got you.

Love, Rhi x

Join My Organised Life Club

Get My Free Ultimate Mum Bundle Of Organisation Printables

Ready to take your organisation to the next level? I’ve created the Ultimate Mum Bundle of Organisation Printables to help you stay on track and bring some order to the chaos. Best of all, it’s completely FREE! This bundle includes everything from meal planners and weekly schedules to budgeting sheets and more – all designed to make life a little easier for busy mums like you. Download your free bundle today and start organising your life with ease!

Create Your Own Organised Life Binder (My Secret Weapon)

One of the best tools I’ve used to stay organised and on top of everything is my Organised Life Binder. It’s my secret weapon for managing all the chaos of daily life – from family schedules and meal planning to work tasks and self-care. With everything in one place, I can easily track goals, plan ahead, and keep myself focused. In this post, I’ll show you how to create your own binder so you can experience the same sense of clarity and control in your life!

Grab The Resource I WISH I Had When My Kids Were Being Assessed For Autism

Navigating the autism assessment process can be overwhelming, and when my kids were going through it, I wish I had a resource to help me stay organised and on top of everything. That’s why I’ve created a comprehensive Autism Journey Journal. This resource is everything I wish I’d had at the time – a place to record dates, appointments, meeting notes, and reflections, all while helping you stay prepared every step of the way. Grab your copy now and make the process a little bit easier for you and your family.

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Watch More From My Magical Adventures Channel

Check out the latest video from my Magical Adventures channel! You may know it as Mummy of Four Does Disney, and I’m still sharing Disney videos every weekend. But now, I’m also bringing you along for our magical family days out and mini-breaks across the UK too! Don’t miss out on all the fun—watch the latest adventure here.