At St Mary’s we often remind ourselves, and our children, that what you focus on is what you will grow. Just like sowing seeds in a garden, the routines, habits, and expectations we plant each day shape who our children will become.

At school, we build clear, consistent routines to help children feel secure, ready to learn, and confident in what is expected of them. From lining up calmly, to showing respect to each other and themselves during lessons, to developing independence in organising their own learning - routines help children flourish.

The same is true at home. Expectations such as completing home learning, limiting time on computer games, sitting together for meals, enjoying a consistent bedtime routine with shared reading, and practising good manners online and to each other all make a real difference. These small but powerful daily habits build security and structure. Research shows that strong, predictable routines help children regulate emotions, succeed academically, and develop a greater sense of belonging.

But routines are not just about structures — they are about rights and responsibilities. If we want our children to grow into respectful adults who use their voice wisely, we must help them understand that every right comes with a responsibility.

When home and school work together, we give children the best chance to grow into lifelong learners who are both confident and responsible. It is not just what we say that counts,  it is what we consistently do, and the expectations we set, that truly help our children shine.