The guide to cutting back-to-school costs: Check what you have first and see if they really need to be replaced

“Don’t have children,” was the most common advice offered when I asked parents if they had any cost-cutting tips ahead of the new school year. Either we’re a nation of comedians or they have a point. Raising children is an expensive business and free education is anything but. The 2022 Barnardo’s back-to-school survey highlighted that the majority of parents are worried about meeting back-to-school costs this year, and most will find it harder as a result of recent cost-of-living increases.

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Making savings isn’t easy, particularly in the current climate, but there are a few ways to lessen the financial burden.

* A new school year does not necessarily require new schoolbags, pencil cases, lunch boxes or beakers. Check what you have first and see if they really need to be replaced. Along with saving yourself some unnecessary expense, it’s the more environmentally friendly thing to do.

Voluntary contributions are all too common, and vary hugely from school to school. But... the key word to observe here is ‘voluntary’

* If your school has a crested uniform, check to see what parts of it may be generic. Sometimes trousers, skirts or shirts can be purchased from outlets other than a specific uniform shop, which can lead to substantial savings.

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* The school WhatsApp group is a great place to pass on uniform items that your child may have outgrown to those with younger children. It’s also the perfect place to offer and receive schoolbooks.

* If your children’s school is an iPad school, the waste can feel real if books are also required, as they frequently are. For children who have access to their older siblings’ physical books, it may not be necessary to purchase a book you already have again, in order to access the code for the accompanying ebook. Check first with the publisher to see if a new code can be assigned, at a far lesser cost.

* Voluntary contributions are all too common, and vary hugely from school to school. But regardless of the amount requested, the key word to observe here is “voluntary”. Though some parents report feeling an obligation to pay, it is completely optional.

* Watch out for special offers on stationery, books and copies. Shop around, and look online for discounts or services such as free delivery or book covering. And when it comes to removable book and copy covers, check how last year’s ones are holding up. Once again, it’s not just about saving money, it’s about saving the planet too.

* After-school activities are an often overlooked expense of back-to-school, but the costs quickly add up, particularly if you’ve more than one child. With that in mind, always ask about sibling discounts, which are not always advertised.