What makes a positive learning environment?

In this essential episode, we dive headfirst into what it really means to get the start of school right - and spoiler alert: it’s not about zone boards, rain clouds or storms!

Instead, we celebrate the power of relationships, routines and respect as the cornerstones of a successful school transition. Together, we explore how schools can shift from behaviour management systems to relationship-led cultures that uplift, connect and truly support every child from day one.

This episode is a rallying cry to banish the behaviour zones, say goodbye to gold stars, and embrace something far more powerful: connection. We unpack how thoughtful transitions and emotionally rich environments lay the foundation for a joyful, safe and thriving start to the school year - for children and the adults around them.

Expect big ideas, gentle challenges and lots of insightful moments about what schools feel like when relationships lead the way.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Value in predictability: a stable start for a stunning start

• How to create emotional safety from the very first moment of the school day

• What routines really offer children beyond structure - think safety, identity and calm: sorry zone boards – you’re out!

• Why consistency is kinder than control

• The hidden power of welcome rituals, connection check-ins and joyful hellos

• How to support children and staff through transitions with warmth and humanity

• Why a relationship-led culture is the ultimate behaviour support system

• All aboard from the start! Parents, families, community – it really does take a village to raise a child.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, support staff or just someone who believes children deserve more than token praise and traffic lights, this episode will leave you inspired to reframe school transitions – with heart, humanity and a whole lot of hope.

I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: michellehague@heyd.uk, or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk.

My guest today, Michelle Windridge, Twinkl’s National Education Lead for School EYFS Settings and TES Columnist. Having written many pieces on school transitions and starting school, Michelle brings schools to life through the warm of positive relationships and routines that rock!

I know you will want to connect with Michelle Windridge after this episode as she is inspirational!

Website: MrsPrimary_EYFS

Instagram: @mrsprimary_eyfs

Facebook: @mrs.primary.eyfs

Linkedin: Michelle Windridge