Going back to school guide for Kent
We may only be halfway through the summer holidays, but parents are already planning for the return to school in just a few weeks time.
Most pupils will be heading back to class on or around September, 3 while more than 17,000 will be starting school for the very first time.
And to help settle the nerves, look smart and have the best packed lunch box, we've created this back to school guide.
Stress
It's perfectly natural for children to feel stressed from time to time, especially if they are starting a new school, joining a new class or moving away from friends.
Childline delivered more than 106,000 counselling sessions with children struggling with their mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
They've provided some helpful hints and tips on how children relax and unwind.
It’s important to set aside some time to relax every day. This could be in their break at school, when they get home or just before bed.
If they’re feeling overwhelmed by pressures at school, it can help them to plan and prepare.
Uniform
Expect social media to be full of pictures of children stood outside front doors in their smart new school uniforms in a few weeks time.
But if you haven't already got name tags sewn into shirts, jumpers, skirts and trousers - here's our guide to the essentials available on the high street.
Bags
If like us you love stationery, then you need a great bag to store it all in.
We've been checking out some of the best available on the high street.
Whether you want dozens of pockets or a sleek, no nonsense design - we reckon these are some of the best.
Lunch
While some parents choose for their children to have school dinners, others prefer to send off the little ones with a packed lunch.
But what should it contain?
Hopefully these suggestions will inspire you and make sure your youngsters don't go hungry during the day.
Travel
When it comes to travelling to school for older children there are lots of options for parents to consider - getting the bus being one of them.
But with the cost of a Young Person's Travel pass increasing again this year, is it a viable option?
Earlier this summer teenagers in Canterbury staged a protest march about the increased charge while more than 8,000 parents have signed a petition.
If you decide against your child getting on the bus and don't live too far from school, walking might be another option.
For many children starting secondary school they crave more independence and want to feel grown up.
According to research conducted by YouGov under the title 'Unaccompanied Minor' 10 is the average age that the majority of British parents feel it safe for a child to walk to school without an adult.
Security
How often have your children pestered you for a mobile phone over the holidays?
Chances are, if you've got a youngster starting secondary school, or maybe going into the last year of primary, they're starting to want to have a device of their own rather than borrow yours to play games.
While some parents want to put off buying the latest tech for their children, others see it as a vital form of communication - especially if their youngster is going to be travelling alone.
But with the introduction of technology come concerns about cyber-bullying and who your children might be contacting.
Organisations including the NSPCC and Internet Matters suggest spending time with your child to set boundaries on phone use.
Mums and dads are also encouraged to set up parental controls.
The Three Rs
Making sure children don't lose skills they have learnt at school during the long summer break is the focus of a new research project in Kent.
Rob Comber, a service development manager at the county council’s Children, Young People and Education directorate, has developed a concept called Summer Slide.
It will explore whether children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, lose knowledge while they're away from the classroom.
He's been given £10,000 to now get the project off the ground.
Mr Comber will initially work with eight schools to find out the impact the summer holidays have on learning - and could eventually set up a summer school.
September events
So you've survived the summer holidays, you've got the kids back to school - now it's time to enjoy the rest of September.
But if you're finances are feeling a little stretched after the long break we are here to help.
Here are seven events that won't set you back.
