Morning Welcome Script

Use this during the first half-term of Reception, especially for children who arrive quietly, cling to a familiar adult, hesitate at the door, or need help moving from goodbye into classroom routine.

The aim is not to make the child feel instantly happy. The aim is to help them feel noticed, safe, and able to take one small step into the day.

Teacher Script

Good morning. I am glad you are here. Would you like hello words, a wave, or a quiet start?

Your body might still be saying goodbye. That is allowed.

Let’s find one friendly thing in the room. One small step is enough to begin.

Child Prompt

I can choose hello words, a wave, or a quiet start.

Steps

1. Greet the child calmly by name.
2. Offer a small arrival choice: hello words, wave, or quiet start.
3. Name the feeling gently if it is visible: nervous, unsure, tired, or missing someone.
4. Help the child notice one friendly thing: a familiar adult, a peg, a toy, a friend, or a picture.
5. Support one small step into the room.
6. Return later with a brief positive notice: You came in gently today.

Provision Link

• name cards
• a soft leaf or pebble prop
• family photo talk where appropriate
• a small basket of familiar morning choices

Family Bridge

We are practising gentle starts and one small step into the school day. Ask: What is one friendly thing you found in your classroom today?

Observation Look-Fors

• child accepts a greeting or nearby adult presence
• child chooses an arrival option
• child moves into the classroom with support
• child begins to use words such as nervous, missing, safe, ready, or hello