Morning routine 8.30-8.55am

Children arrive by taxi each morning; some are in a taxi for up to an hour (Hartlepool, Consett, Seaham).
Our morning routine ensures children can enter the building safely and happily, regulate effectively in
preparation for the day and ground themselves.

All children are welcomed from taxi transport at the front entrance. They hand in phones and vapes etc
which are safely stored in the office. Personal items are placed into numbered plastic wallets. Children are
wanded to ensure nothing enters the school that shouldn’t; some find it challenging to make good choices and would choose not to hand in personal items. There have not been any incidents in the last 6 yearswhere children have attempted to bring items to school that present risk to others e.g. knives; regardless we safeguard against the potential for this.

The same staff greet children and operate the above entry procedure. This is important to ensure children
feel safe and secure in the consistency of entry to school.

Staff are positive, greet children warmly and ensure everyone knows we are glad to see them. Children
that are struggling are brought into school and handed over to a staff member for support.

Children are encouraged to have some breakfast before they go to their chosen activity. Lots take up this
offer as they have not had breakfast at home due to their early start. Breakfast club is sponsored by
Greggs.

Activities on offer are provided to support children in becoming ready for learning. Some activities support children that feel a sensory overload during transport (relaxation room) or offer a low stimulus and supportive check in time (library). Other spaces support sensory seeking children who require increased sensory input to help stimulate them and to feel less sluggish. It can also soothe an “overloaded system” and help children feel more organised in their own bodies and in space. Children without sensory processing disorder/sensory needs benefit from the routine by building connections with adults and grounding themselves in the start of the day.