Avoid longer lead times during the back-to-school rush
The weeks leading up to September are, without a doubt, the busiest time of year for educational suppliers like ourselves here at EPSL. As schools and teachers across the country prepare for the new term, we see a huge increase in orders, which means lead times can naturally become longer.
While we always work hard to prepare and dispatch every order as quickly as possible, giving yourself more time means we have more time to carefully complete your order and make sure everything is ready when you need it.
This is especially important for personalised products, such as personalised exercise books. Unlike standard stock items, these are created specifically for your classroom, meaning they need time for design, approval, printing, checking and packaging before they’re ready to be delivered.
By ordering early, you give yourself the best chance of having everything arrive before September gets underway, rather than finding yourself waiting for important resources just days before pupils return.
Give yourself more time to prepare your classroom
The weeks before September can disappear quickly. Between planning your first lessons, refreshing displays, organising cupboards and preparing resources, there’s a lot to complete before your new class walks through the door.
Having your supplies arrive early gives you the breathing space to actually use them. Instead of unpacking boxes at the last minute, you can take your time arranging your classroom, preparing activities and creating a space that feels welcoming from the very first day.
Your classroom sets the tone for the year ahead. A well-organised, inviting space helps pupils feel comfortable and gives them a sense of excitement when they walk in on that first morning. Whether it’s setting up learning areas, creating colourful displays or making sure resources are easy to access, those details all help build a positive environment.
Even small touches can make a big difference. Having personalised exercise books ready for each pupil, for example, gives children something that feels like their own and helps them feel part of the classroom from the moment they arrive.
Make sure everything is ready for those important first days back
Everyone knows the first week back isn’t just about diving straight into the curriculum. It’s about helping pupils settle into a new classroom, getting to know their teacher, introducing expectations and building the routines that will support learning throughout the year.
Having your supplies ready is a big part of that process. Those first few days are often when you’ll hand out exercise books, explain how resources should be used and help pupils understand how their classroom will work.
These small routines might seem simple, but they create structure and help pupils feel more confident. When children know where their books are kept, what equipment they need and how lessons will run, they can settle into classroom life much more easily.
If supplies haven’t arrived yet, it can mean putting some of these important steps on hold. It’s not the end of the world, and teachers are brilliant at adapting, but it can make the transition feel less smooth than it needs to be.
Having everything ready from day one means you can focus on creating a calm, positive start and helping your pupils feel comfortable in their new environment.
Plan your lessons with confidence
Once the new term begins, your attention quickly turns towards teaching. You’re thinking about your first topics, assessing where pupils are in their learning and planning activities that will keep them engaged. Having your supplies sorted before September means you can plan with certainty. You know what resources you have available and can build your lessons around them, rather than having to change plans because something hasn’t arrived yet.
This is particularly important for practical lessons, creative projects and activities where specific materials are needed. Having everything ready allows you to focus on the lesson itself, rather than spending time searching for alternatives or making last-minute adjustments.
It also helps pupils get into good habits straight away. With resources such as exercise books, stationery and classroom materials ready from the start, they can begin learning how to organise their work and take responsibility for their belongings.
Reduce stress during the back-to-school rush
September is already one of the busiest times in a teacher’s year. Alongside preparing lessons and welcoming a new class, there are countless small jobs that all need your attention. The last thing you need is another task hanging over you. Waiting for supplies, checking delivery updates or trying to source replacements can add unnecessary pressure when your time is already stretched.
Getting your back-to-school order sorted early removes one more thing from your to-do list. Instead of worrying about whether everything will arrive in time, you can spend those final days before term begins focusing on your classroom, your lessons and your pupils.
A smooth start to the school year comes from having the right things in place before you need them. By planning ahead, you can begin September feeling organised, confident and ready to give your pupils the best possible start.
At EPSL, we’ve been supporting schools and teachers for over 50 years, helping classrooms across the UK prepare for every new term. Whether you’re looking for personalised exercise books, art books, stationery, or other printed classroom supplies, our friendly team is always happy to assist. Just give us a ring at 01254 686 500, and we’ll be more than happy to help with your back-to-school order!
