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Zones of Regulation

At Hall Orchard we recognise the importance of promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing to our pupils and their families.

We aim to create an open culture around the discussion of mental health and wellbeing and empower our children to be able to regulate their emotions.

At Hall Orchard we have a whole school approach to understanding, identifying and learning to self-regulate our feelings and emotions by implementing the Zones of Regulation. The Zones of Regulation teach pupils to identify emotions in themselves and others and provide them with a bank of strategies to help regulate their emotions and improve their wellbeing.

Everyone, from time to time everyone, including adults, find it difficult to manage strong feelings such as worry, fear, sadness or anger, which can stop us from getting on with our normal every day. Children who feel these strong emotions often find it hard to concentrate and learn in school. The Zones of Regulation teaches children strategies to help them cope with these feelings so they can get back to feeling calm and ready to learn. These coping strategies are called self-regulation.

There are 4 zones. These are the zones in more detail

What is the Blue Zone?

The blue zone is used when a person is feeling low states of alertness and down. When in the blue zone a child may feel sad, sick, bored or tired.

How would your child behave in the Blue Zone?Image of Sadness from the film Insideout on a blue background with the title BLUE ZONE. The words Sick, Bored, Tired, Sad and Moving Slowly are in a white box.

  • Absence of feelings
  • Irritability
  • Lack of pleasure
  • Lack of motivation
  • Tearful
  • Withdrawn
  • Difficulty concentrating

What coping strategies do we implement in school?

  • Laughing yoga/jokes​
  • Exercise​
  • Alerting sensory breaks/ sensory circuits​
  • Reflecting on what makes us happy​
  • Talking to our teachers and friends​
  • Fresh air/walk​
  • Drink or snack​ 

What is the Green Zone?

The green zone…the learning zone!

We are expected to be in the green zone while learning. It is when our brains and bodies are relaxed and focused! We may feel relaxed, calm and happy.

How might your child behave in the Green Zone?Image of Joy from the film Insideout on a Green background with the title GREEN ZONE. The words Happy, Calm,Focused and Ready are in a white box.

  • Calm
  • Happy
  • Relaxed
  • Content
  • Focused

What strategies do we implement in school?

  • Encourage a healthy lifestyle
  • PSHE lessons
  • Pastoral support/The Hive
  • Mental Health Champions
  • Mindful activities
  • Calm areas on the playground
  • Positive behaviour policy

What is the Yellow Zone?

The yellow zone describes a heightened sense of alertness. This isn’t always a bad thing, and you typically still have some control.

How might your child behave in the Yellow Zone?Image of two characters from the film Insideout on a Yellow background with the title YELLOW ZONE. The words Excited, Worried, Wiggly and Silly are in a white box.

  • Frustrated
  • Anxious
  • Nervous
  • Avoid situations
  • Struggle to concentrate
  • Excited

What coping strategies do we implement in school?

  • Breathing strategies​
  • Meditation​
  • Yoga​
  • Calming areas​
  • Fidgets​
  • Time in the calm corner/rainbow room​/The Hive
  • Talk to a friend or member of staff​

What is the Red Zone?

The red zone describes an extremely heightened state of intense emotions. When a child reaches the red zone they no longer able to control their actions or emotions. This is the zone children are in during meltdowns.

How might your child behave in the Red Zone?Image of two characters from the film Insideout on a red background with the title RED ZONE. The words Mad, Angry, Upset, Violent and Disgusted are in a white box.

  • Excessive outbursts
  • Fighting
  • Shouting
  • Irritability
  • Acting dangerously
  • Lack of control
  • Resentful

What coping strategies do we implement in school?

  • Talk to an adult​
  • Hug a teddy​
  • Pop bubble wrap​
  • Wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze​
  • Write down what’s bothering you and rip it up​
  • Squeeze a stress ball​
  • Talk about it​
  • Scribble on paper and crumple it up​
  • Use breathing techniques​
  • Do stretches​
  • Listen to calming music​
  • Take time out​

If you would like to know more about The Zones of Regulation or would like to enquire about our next parent workshop, please contact Rebecca Harrison - PastoralSupport@hall-orchard.leics.sch.uk