Do I need to pay anything when my child starts school in September

If they have hot meals and you don’t get free school meals, you’ll have to pay that.

Any trips that require payment
Breakfast club and after school club if needed
Primary schools near me prefer school water bottles. Plan for replacements constantly

My son started school in September. We have to replace shoes & water bottles fairly often due to wear & tear. There’s the odd non school uniform day or school trip we have to pay for. And if you’re not using wraparound care your expenses will be far less than £600. Even with wraparound care it’s cheaper than nursery - my school charges £6 for breakfast club and £15 for after school, so even using that every day it’s around £400 a month. All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 get free school meals too.

No. A lot of areas now have free breakfast clubs. Think it was £3 before. Obviously you might need childcare for after 3 o clock or school holiday clubs but we used to combine annual leave to cover that and used family as well. Trips are probably £10 per year. My daughters going on one next month for £2. Obviously you have things like comic relief, children in need, bring an item in for Xmas fayre/summer. Meals are £2.85 although my daughter is year 4 so no longer free. I buy clothes to last a couple of years although shoes are expensive!

You don't mention if you get any benefits. There is support available for people who are on some benefits. Check the websites or go to citizen's advice bureau.

If you're on UC you can claim free school meals beyond 7. Also let the school know as they might have additional benefits they do in house. The school can also claim additional funding for your child.