Back to school checklist for primary school parents
What to sort before September: uniforms and shoes, books, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, routines, and the dates to put in your calendar.
Updated 5 October 2026
A short list to work through in August, so the first week back goes smoothly.
Money and supports
- Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. A once-a-year payment from the Department of Social Protection for families getting certain social welfare or training payments. In 2026 it was €160 for each child aged 2 to 11 and €285 for each child aged 12 to 22 in second-level education. Many families are paid automatically in July; others apply on MyWelfare.ie. Applications for 2026 closed on 30 September, and the scheme reopened in early June this year, so look out for it then.
- Schoolbooks are free in primary school. The Primary Schoolbooks Scheme pays for textbooks, workbooks and copybooks, and schools can't ask for a deposit for them. Schools can still ask for other costs, like art supplies, swimming or school trips.
- The voluntary contribution is exactly that. Your child's place doesn't depend on paying it. More on school costs and supports.
Uniform, shoes and bags
- Check which items must have the school crest. Many schools allow plain jumpers and trousers from any shop, which cost far less.
- Ask the parents' association about second-hand uniform sales or swaps.
- Label everything: jumpers, coats, lunchboxes, water bottles.
- Get shoes fitted a couple of weeks before term so they're broken in.
Routines
- Move bedtimes and wake-up times back towards the school routine a week or two before term starts.
- Practise the school run once, at the real time, and agree where you'll meet at home time.
- Plan a few easy lunchboxes your child will actually eat.
Dates for your calendar
- Your school's first day back, usually in late August or early September.
- The October, February and Easter breaks, which are the same for every primary school. Add every school holiday to your phone in one tap.
- Any half-days or staff training days your school announces.
For the photos: a free first day of school sign to fill in and print.
Starting junior infants this year? Read our guide to the first weeks.
Sources
- Citizens Information: Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
- Department of Education: Primary Schoolbooks Scheme, a guide for parents
- Citizens Information: Financial help with going to school
Rules and rates change. Check the official source before you rely on a detail, and tell us at [email protected] if something's out of date.