The ‘Zones of Regulation’ is a framework designed to help children recognise, understand and manage their emotions, feelings and levels of alertness. It supports children in developing emotional awareness and self-regulation by grouping feelings and behaviours into four coloured zones. The approach is widely used within nurturing and wellbeing-based practices, including the National Nurturing Schools Programme.

The Zones of Regulation teach children that all feelings are normal and acceptable. The focus is not on labelling emotions as “good” or “bad”, but on helping children recognise how they are feeling and develop strategies to regulate themselves effectively.

Children at St Martin’s have all had been taught about the zones of regulation and strategies for managing their emotions when in each of these zones. Each classroom has a ‘Zones of Regulation’ display with suggested techniques and children are encouraged to think about which strategies help them when regulating their emotions.

 The Four Zones of Regulation: