10 Classroom Must-Haves Every UK Teacher Needs This September

Whether you are a new teacher looking for some budget-friendly classroom resources or you’re looking for the best classroom storage solutions after moving rooms, we have you covered. Our suggestions could help form your own start of term teacher checklist.

1) Electric Sharpener 

It doesn’t have to be big or fancy but a simple electric pencil sharpener can shave off (pardon the pun) some time in preparing for the Autumn term. Not only will it help teachers who want to ensure that the classroom is ready for action, it can also be used in lesson time to prevent gathering around the bin.

2) Sharpening pots

As an alternative to the electric sharpener, have some pots on the table that can be used to collect pencil sharpenings so that pupils don’t need to get out of their seats and head to the bin. These can then be emptied at a convenient time and negate many pupils walking around the room. I would recommend either a lidded pot or a deep one so that if they are tipped over by accident there is minimal mess. 

3) Binder Rings

These rings can collate the resources you use most and helps keep them organised. Whether it is the Zones of Regulation emotions and strategies, phonics flashcards or times table support, these rings can collate resources so that they are easy to use and keeps them neat and tidy. They are also useful for children who may need an individual bank of resources to access learning. They can keep their own little bundle with them to support them in being independent with their work.

4) Hand Sanitiser

Not only does hand sanitiser help kill off any bacteria or germs that come into the classroom and supports keeping you and the children happy and healthy, it has some brilliant secondary uses. Has a child used a permanent marker on the whiteboard? Are some of the tables sporting some funky designs doodled by pupils? Hand sanitiser on a cloth or tissue can help remove those troublesome marks. For me, this is the biggest must have for the classroom.

5) Velcro Carpet Spots

If you have carpet time as part of your timetable, there are some budget-friendly classroom resources to help with this. Velcro carpet spots are exactly what they sound like, shapes that have Velcro backs and can be attached to an existing carpet. This is great for Early Years and Key Stage 1 as you can number them and assign them a carpet spot. You can also move them around with ease in case you need to make a circle for circle time. This will not only support children in being more independent, it can also help with knowing who is present and who is absent at a glance. If every child has a set number they can simply look for that when seating plans change and if there is an empty place, it will be easy to see who is missing.

Top tip: It is also really useful for number recognition and sequencing in the younger years.

6) Pegs

You may have a washing line going across your classroom, you may even have one on a display board so that you can easily update a working wall or you might give each child a peg with their name on for an interactive wellbeing display. Pegs, especially wooden ones, are a cheap and effective tool in the classroom for a range of different things. There are even classroom management strategies using pegs: students take a peg in number order and the teacher will call out a number when they are ready to work with a student. 

7) Laminator

Many schools may have one on-site, but having your own can support making those long-lasting resources needed just for your classroom. These handy machines can also be used to make resources that can be written on with a whiteboard pen for learners who need some scaffolding. Some may come with a larger price tag than others but in my experience, there are some laminators out there that are less than £20 and are still able to do the job well.

8) Spare Paper

Scrap paper, lined paper and plain paper, keep a small stash of each in the classroom in case there is a need. Children may finish their books and the new ones are running low, it might be that it is wet play and children want to get creative and play some games or do some drawing. You never know when it will come in handy for you or others.

9) Table Storage Pots

There are certain resources that need to be left on the table as they will be used in every lesson. Having a central box, tray or folder to put these in means it is easy to clear tables and keeps the classroom tidy and organised. There are a range of classroom organisation ideas for teachers  out there already but what I found worked was one large shallow tray which was large enough to fit A4 whiteboards or books in, children could put their pencil cases on top and then when the tables need to be cleared you only have to move one container. Have a look around your school as they may have some gratnell trays spare that you could use.

10) Postcards/Notes Home

One thing that was a quick and easy way to boost pupil morale and create great connections with parents was having a bank of things that could be sent home to parents when a child had done something worth celebrating. For some children, that positive action will be the difference between a good day and a bad day. It is also a really good way for children to get that instant gratification from doing a good deed or mastering a new skill they have been diligently working on. Having these to hand then makes it easy to give these notes in the moment so the positive action isn’t forgotten.

Top tip: You don't have to buy them, why not make your own? Canva have a range of certificate and good work templates to use.

These classroom must haves could be part of your classroom prep for September term or something you come back to for inspiration. Every classroom and school will have a different need and a different way of doing things, so always check that any changes you make to your classroom are in line with your school policy and are practical for you and your pupils.