Prepared parents plan back to school months in advance

Bord Gáis Energy survey reveals back to school habits.

Almost half of parents begin planning for the return to school in May and June, before the summer holidays start
Back to school is all about the new and includes new runners (66%), new pencil cases (57%), a new school bag (70%) and even a new haircut (55%)
It’s an early start for 1 in 4 parents with the day beginning before 7am
Parents are a big part of getting homework done with 3 in 4 saying they help their children with their homework
Healthy lunches are the order of the day as 92% bring fruit as part of a packed lunch most days with snacks in the form of rice cakes (34%) or raisins (20%)
Things are just as busy after school with 84% of parents saying their children take part in afterschool activities

Almost half of parents (43%) are planning back to school before the summer holidays even begin according to a new survey of the Bord Gáis Energy customer panel.*

As well as the usual books, additional school activities and school uniforms, there are many other back to school costs that parents have to take into consideration. Over 66% of parents splash out on new runners and 77% on a new school bag for their children ahead of the new term. There’s no denying the children of Ireland will be ready for the school photograph as over half (55%) will be sporting a new haircut before meeting their school friends again in September.

Up and ready

Busy making lunch

Back to school means it’s time for the lunchbox to reappear after a long summer break with 89% of parents saying their children enjoy a packed lunch at school with just over two thirds (68%) of those surveyed saying they’re the ones who prepare the lunch. Just 7% of respondent’s children make their own lunch.

And what’s in the lunchbox? The good old sandwich remains king with almost 8 in 10 (79%) of parents surveyed stating it’s the most popular lunchtime choice. Healthy choices are in abundance with 92% of parents making sure their children bring fruit to school most days – apples (30%) and strawberries (27%) being the favourites. Yoghurts, rice cakes and raisins are claimed as the most popular snacks with just 7% of parents offering crisps as a lunchtime snack. Water is the most popular drink while just 1% say they give their children a fizzy drink in their lunchbox.

The fun doesn’t stop after school

Term time is busy throughout the week with 84% of parents surveyed saying their children take part in after school activities. For 55% of respondents, the average cost of this is €150 per year. Swimming is the most popular activity for a third of parents surveyed with GAA football (30%), soccer (24%), GAA hurling (22%) and speech and drama (19%) also keeping the children busy.

Talking about the survey, Claire Smith, Consumer PR Manager at Bord Gáis Energy said, “Back to school is an exciting time for children with many sporting new haircuts, schoolbags and shoes for the big return. However, it’s also a busy and expensive time for parents and our customers are telling us that the planning starts months in advance, before the summer holidays even begin! It’s obvious the hard work doesn’t end at the school gate with lots to do each day from school drops, to preparing lunches, helping with homework and afterschool activities.’

Bord Gáis Energy is currently offering the back to school ‘bundle bonus’, which includes a €75 Tesco giftcard, where customers can make real savings on their gas and electricity. To find out more visit bordgaisenergy.ie

*As part of the back to school campaign, Bord Gáis Energy surveyed 185 members of its customer panel on back to school planning and costs.