Mounting cost of new school term

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Gone are the days when the phrase 'back to school' meant buying a couple of pairs of trousers in the next size up, and maybe a shiny new maths set if parents were feeling generous.

New research from Sheilas' Wheels has revealed that the true cost of getting ready for the new school term has rocketed, with the latest gadgets and designer 'must-haves' highlighting the need for households to have adequate home contents cover.

Kitting out a child for starting back at school in September could cost a massive £1,623, according to a poll of almost 900 parents of school-age children. Among the items which are de rigeur in today's playground are mobile phones, MP3 players, hand-held games consoles, and of course the ubiquitous designer label trainers.

In a bid to keep costs down, many parents are looking to supermarkets to help them save money on the cost of the school uniform, rather than paying top dollar at traditional school shops.

Jacky Brown, of Sheilas' Wheels home insurance, commented: "Although there are ways to save, it's never cost-effective to scrimp on home insurance cover for personal possessions away from the home in case of theft, loss or damage during the school day."

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