Start of the day

Greet every child individually as they enter the room or go down the line and say hello to each one if lining up is the routine. Try and do this at eye level whenever possible. Paul Dix suggests for secondary pupils to be welcomed with a handshake each lesson. This is equivalent in primary schools and you could adopt this – I personally would not for every pupil every day but maybe as a novel way of ensuring you greet every child it might have its merits.

Incorporate parents as much as possible with smile and a greeting too. Take the opportunity to share positive messages – especially for children where a fresh start is needed. This takes time, but it is a good investment.

Supervise coat hanging etc by straddling the threshold between the corridor and the classroom where this necessary, encouraging swift transition with positive reinforcement for those children who have settled to the prepared task or routine the best.

Late arrivals and children returning from absence

Greet them warmly and with positive messages about being pleased to see them. It is NEVER their fault that they are late or have been absent. It is 100% the parents’/carers’ responsibility to ensure their children arrive at school on time every day. So unconditional positive regard for all the children is needed upon arrival. By all means follow up with a private discussion later asking about the circumstances and encourage better attendance/punctuality the next day.

If tardiness and absence persist raise it with the parents/carers directly and in the nicest and most professional manner possible explain that you are personally offended that your work and time with their children should be treated with the levels of contempt on display – seriously be kind, assume the best on the part of the adults and offer support wherever possible. Follow up with attendance processes and policy with support from appropriate staff e.g. attendance/safeguarding officer.

Be like a dog with a bone on this as all other efforts are wasted if the kid ain’t there.

Transition to and from break times and the end of the day

Ensure there is enough time to leave the room as you have started the day at the end of each session or set up for the next one as required. Mobilise your army of 30ish kids to keep the room tidy so it does not fall on your shoulders alone. To do so is madness.

Ensure the class is tidy, tables and chairs are straight and the floor is clear. This always takes longer than it should – so be deliberate early on about your expectations for getting this done within a couple of minutes from the outset at the start of the year. Take the time teach this and you and the children will reap the benefits all year long.

Once done. Children stand behind their places ready to be dismissed or line up – one table at a time.

Coming in after break

Do not let children go to the sink for drinks. Train them to enter the room and start on the task that is part of the lesson or routine. You will manage drinks – especially in hot weather – for all children without the need to be asked individually by 15 thirsty and sweaty Year 6s in the middle of July.