Zones of Regulation

Zones of Regulation

Zones of Regulation at Fender Primary School

At Fender Primary School, we understand that emotional wellbeing is the foundation for learning, relationships, and personal development. That’s why we use the Zones of Regulation as part of our whole-school approach to help children recognise and manage their emotions in a healthy, constructive way.

What Are the Zones of Regulation?

The Zones of Regulation is a framework that helps children build emotional awareness and self-regulation. It teaches pupils to:

  • Recognise what they are feeling
  • Understand how those feelings affect their thoughts and behaviour
  • Use strategies to help them regulate and feel ready to learn

The Zones are divided into four colours, each representing a different state of alertness or emotion:

Blue Zone

Low energy or low mood

  • Examples: tired, sad, bored, unwell
  • Often used to describe when a child may not feel ready to engage or participate

Green Zone

Calm and focused – the ideal state for learning

  • Examples: happy, relaxed, content, ready to learn
  • This is where we aim to be most of the time in a school environment

Yellow Zone

Heightened alertness, but still in control

  • Examples: excited, nervous, frustrated, silly, worried
  • Useful for recognising when a child needs to pause and use a strategy before emotions escalate

Red Zone

Extreme feelings – intense emotions that may feel overwhelming

  • Examples: anger, panic, fear, out of control
  • Often a signal that a child needs support or time to calm and reset

All emotions are valid. Children are taught that there are no “bad” zones—just different feelings that need different responses.

Why Do We Use It at Fender?

We believe emotional regulation is a vital life skill. The Zones of Regulation support:

  • Improved focus and engagement in lessons
  • Positive relationships with peers and adults
  • Greater independence and self-awareness
  • Better mental health and wellbeing

It aligns closely with our PSHE curriculum (which explicitly teaches the Zones of Regulation) our work on mental health, and our inclusive approach to behaviour and support.

How It Works in Our School

The Zones of Regulation are fully embedded into school life at Fender:

  • Daily Check-Ins – children reflect on their emotional state at the start of the day and after key transitions.
  • Zones Displays – every classroom features a Zones board or visual check-in tool.
  • Shared Language – all staff consistently model and use Zones vocabulary to help children express themselves.
  • Calm Corners – each class has a regulation area with sensory tools and calming strategies.
  • Integration with Learning – zones concepts are used across subjects and activities, from Forest School to PE.

What Strategies Do Children Learn?

Pupils are explicitly taught a range of strategies that help them move between zones in a healthy, safe way. Strategies are matched to each child’s age, needs, and preferences.

Examples of Green Zone Strategies (maintaining calm and focus):

  • Positive reinforcement
  • Calming routines
  • Mindfulness or grounding activities

Examples of Yellow Zone Strategies (re-focusing or calming down):

  • Breathing exercises
  • Sensory tools (e.g. fidget toys, calming jars)
  • Talking to an adult
  • Taking a short break or movement activity

Examples of Red Zone Strategies (de-escalating strong emotions):

  • Accessing a calm, safe space
  • Guided reflection with a trusted adult
  • Use of visual aids or calming scripts
  • Quiet time with limited stimulation

Examples of Blue Zone Strategies (increasing alertness or energy):

  • Light movement or stretching
  • Talking about feelings
  • Quiet but engaging activities
  • Music, drawing, or sensory play

All children are encouraged to find and personalise strategies that work best for them.

Supporting All Learners

For children who need extra support with regulation, we offer:

  • 1:1 and small group interventions with our ELSAs or MHST
  • Access to specialist resources and tools
  • Use of individualised visual check-ins
  • Ongoing support from key adults
  • A graduated approach as part of our wider SEND and wellbeing provision

Staff are trained to respond with empathy, patience, and consistency. We focus on helping children feel safe, understood, and empowered to manage their emotions.
Connecting to Our Wider Curriculum

The Zones of Regulation complement key areas of school life, including:

  • PSHE and SRE curriculum
  • Safeguarding and emotional wellbeing
  • SEND support
  • Restorative approaches to behaviour
  • Forest School and outdoor learning
  • Leadership and personal development

Working in Partnership with Families

We encourage families to use Zones language at home. Simple questions like:

  • “What zone are you in right now?”
  • “What might help you feel more comfortable?”
  • “What strategy could you try?”

…can help children reflect and develop their emotional toolkit outside of school.
If you would like support or a printable Zones of Regulation parent guide, please speak to your child’s class teacher.

Supporting Children to Understand Themselves

The Zones of Regulation help children develop emotional intelligence, independence, and resilience. By giving them the tools to understand and manage their feelings, we support their success both in and beyond the classroom.