Back to school is looming - time to start getting organised?

Many mums look forward to the start of the new autumn term with a degree of anticipation; it's a real milestone marking the start of getting life back to 'normal' (whatever that may be!) after a few weeks of free-wheeling holiday time, and although I'm not keen on the manic rush each weekday morning to get everyone up, dressed and fed in time, I do relish having the house back to myself a bit more frequently!

With a mountain of work coming my way over the next few weeks and with the weather so dismal, I decided to make an early start on getting everything organised for the my kids going back this year. I've got a throughly over-excited pair of boys who both start new schools this September, and who were only too pleased to help check out what's available in Cranbrook to school children across the Weald. As we quickly found out, there is absolutely no need to head to the big stores in Maidstone or Tunbridge Wells - everything your kids need can be found right here in Cranbrook.

School clothes

Wandering round Cranbrook earlier today, we popped in on Phillips Man's Shop to check out their range of school-related clothing and accessories. They stock uniforms for many local schools including (Angley, Benenden, Colliers Green, Cranbrook, Goudhurst, Hawkhurst, Sandhurst, Sissinghurst and Staplehurst), and also a good range of basics like grey and black trousers, skirts and pinafores in a variety of colours, plus school bags (mainly Billabong) and waterproofs. A really good special offer at the moment means you can buy 36 iron on labels for just £3.50, or only £1.00 if you spend over £50.00 on schoolwear.

Shoes

The fun and funky Ubertogs is also now stocking gorgeous school shoes for boys and girls. Priced at £30.00 - £40.00 from Buckle My Shoe, they are similar to the prices at Clarks, but will set your child slightly apart from the crowd - and even come with a free bag and sweatband (my 4 year old was highly impressed!)

Other essentials

Stationery Express is brilliant for stocking up on all those school bag essentials, including a vast range of pencils, pens, cases, folders, pads and stickers. Cranbrook Sports is also on the must-visit list for sports clothes, vests, shorts, and accessories, with everything packed in from goggles to cricket bats, and hockey sticks to footballs.

Uniform shops for Cranbrook & DCPS

If your child is lucky enough to be starting Cranbrook School or Dulwich College Prep School (DCPS) this year, then private uniform shops are offered by both. For Cranbrook, the shop is open each day from 10.00am until 4.00pm and appointments are essential. Contact Tara Whybrow via 01580 711820 or whybrowt@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk. A 'budget shop' is also available to enable parents to purchase used items still in great condition. DCPS has a Simmonds & Sons shop on site, plus a second hand school uniform shop. Download prices and details here, or you could even post details of anything you'd like to sell right here on Cranbrook People.

Happy shopping (it still counts as retail therapy), and enjoy your last couple of weeks of holiday! Where else do you like to stock up on back-to-school gear? Is there anywhere I've missed?