The School Day

The School Day at Southern Cross School

At Southern Cross School the school day is thoughtfully designed to promote a happy, safe, and stimulating learning environment. Our daily routine reflects our vision of being a centre of excellence built on a relational approach, where pupils feel safe to explore and enjoy learning, achieving positive outcomes and successful futures.

Starting the Day: Check-In Circle and Mindfulness

Each morning, after enjoying breakfast, our pupils come together in their class for a check-in circle. This important part of the day invites pupils to share their feelings and listen to their peers, fostering a strong sense of community and emotional safety. The circle includes simple check-in questions that help pupils express how they feel, encouraging respect and empathy among everyone.

Following the check-in, we engage in a mindfulness exercise designed to build focus on the present moment. This practice supports our commitment to promoting emotional wellbeing and helps pupils develop the independence and self-regulation skills essential for learning and life.

Wellbeing and Growth: PSHEC Lessons

After the check-in circle, pupils participate in a PSHEC (Personal, Social, Health, Economic, and Citizenship) lesson. These lessons are central to our ethos, emphasising the development of wellbeing through managing and understanding emotions, building relationship core competencies, and equipping pupils with vital skills for success.

Our PSHEC curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum expectations and is tailored to meet the unique needs of our pupils, all of whom have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP). Through these lessons, we nurture confidence, motivation, and a love of learning—key values that prepare our pupils not only academically but also emotionally and culturally for their futures.

How Our School Day Reflects Our Vision and Values

• Relational Approach: The morning check-in circle embodies our relational philosophy, creating a safe space where pupils feel valued and heard.
• Nurturing Environment: Mindfulness and PSHEC lessons support emotional and cultural growth, ensuring every pupil thrives.
• Respect and Responsibility: Pupils learn to respect themselves and others, building responsible attitudes that extend beyond the classroom.
• Independence and Creativity: Our daily routine encourages pupils to develop independence and creative thinking as they engage actively in their learning journey.

What This Means for Pupils and Parents

At Southern Cross, we understand that a structured, supportive start to the day sets the tone for success. By focusing on emotional wellbeing alongside academic learning, we create a balanced environment where pupils can flourish. Parents can be confident that their children are not only developing essential academic skills but also gaining the social and emotional tools they need to succeed in life.

Summary

The school day at Southern Cross School begins with a purposeful and caring routine that supports our vision of excellence through relational learning. From the check-in circle and mindfulness exercises to our comprehensive PSHEC lessons, every element is designed to help pupils feel safe, valued, and motivated to achieve their best. This approach ensures our pupils thrive academically, emotionally, and culturally, preparing them for a successful future within wider society.