The holidays are nearly over (sigh) and the new school term is around the corner, which means it’s time to pull out the backpacks, brush off the dust and assess the collateral damage before stepping back into the classroom.
Leaking pens, broken calculators, textbooks which have mysteriously disappeared and school shoes that now seem two sizes too small – all prompting last-minute panic stations for parents up and down the country. Scrambling to find functioning felt tip pens and knowing where to procure a protractor will no doubt add to back-to-school chaos in your household so, here at The Junction, we’ve compiled a handy guide to local businesses which have your backpack covered.
STATIONERY
For something a little less ordinary, a trip to Flying Tiger Copenhagen on St John’s Road will certainly tick many of the back-to-school boxes, and then some. From the usual stationery suspects to things that make you smile, gifts you want to give and stuff you feel the urge to try, you’ll find unique products you didn’t know existed or didn’t realise you needed!
When it comes to the stationery staples (no pun intended) that we all know and love from our childhoods, try Ryman on St John’s Hill. Rulers, protractors, compasses, calculators, pencil cases, lever-arch files – everything you need to fill your backpack and more.
BOOKS
To prepare your little bookworms for school and help them throughout the academic year, you’ll find superb literary choices in Clapham Junction.
FARA Books for Kids on Chatham Road, a specialist children's bookshop, is a must for all young bibliophiles and their parents, and a fantastic local resource. With a dazzling range of children's literature and teen fiction, it's a great place for young ones to fall in love with reading.
Alternatively, venture over to Lavender Hill and your children can lose themselves in a world of words at Battersea Library, a public library where membership is free!
Of course, when it comes to textbooks – catering for early years through to Key Stage 4 and GCSE – Waterstones on St John’s Road is a firm high-street favourite.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Interactive learning resources have the power to engage and motivate children in topics they may not enjoy or find a little tricky. That’s why learning and fun go hand in hand at Chalkboard Toys on Northcote Road, with a huge selection of books, puzzles, games and educational toys – including Grab It and Go Maths and English packs – supported by unrivalled knowledge from the incredibly helpful team.
When it comes to innovative learning resources for preschool and starters QT Toys has it all, including Jumbo Magnetic Letters and Mathlink Cubes, plus novel science kits for children aged 8+ providing plenty of creative resources to get your kids motivated.
And, for a little help with numbers, pay a visit to Mathnasium – a neighbourhood maths-only learning centre which helps children (in Years 1-11) understand maths in a way that makes sense to them.
SCHOOL CLOTHING
If you want to make sure your little student is newly togged from top to toe, a trip to Trotters on Northcote Road is in order. With an extensive range of back-to-school clothing essentials plus books and toys, it's a one-stop shop for BTS shopping.
For waterproof coats and jackets (and puddlesuits!) that are guaranteed to make you smile, try The Roarsome Store on Northcote Road for an award-winning collection of outdoor, character-themed children's clothing.
Alternatively, Newbie on Northcote Road is a great option for junior clothing with a touch of contemporary Swedish style.
AND FINALLY...
Not all of the little people in our lives are ready for school just yet. Luckily, Clapham Junction is home to two fantastic nurseries, on hand to help the grown-ups who are back to work:
- Based in a beautiful church conversion on St. John's Hill, Abacus Ark Clapham Junction is a bright, spacious nursery for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- Alternatively, the Lavender Hill Nursery offers a purpose-built setting where you’ll find outstanding childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years of age.
For any other last-minute back-to-school shopping emergencies, view our comprehensive Clapham Junction Business Directory, click here…
