Zones of Regulation OMG

What is Zones of Regulation?

The Zones of Regulation is a framework and curriculum designed to help children and young people (CYP) develop self-regulation skills. It uses four colour-coded zones to represent different emotional states and levels of alertness, helping CYP recognise and manage their feelings and behaviours in a structured, supportive way.

How does it work?

The approach teaches CYP to:

Identify their emotions and levels of alertness
Understand how their feelings influence behaviour
Use personalised strategies to regulate themselves
Develop a shared language for emotional expression

The four zones are:

Blue: Low energy (e.g. sad, tired, bored)
Green: Calm and ready to learn
Yellow: Heightened alertness (e.g. anxious, excited, silly)
Red: Extreme emotions (e.g. anger, panic, elation)

What are the principles? What are the benefits?

Principles:

Emotions are not "good" or "bad"—all zones are valid
Regulation is a skill that can be taught and practiced
Co-regulation is key—adults model and support regulation

Benefits:

Builds emotional literacy and resilience
Supports behaviour regulation and readiness to learn
Encourages empathy and social understanding
Promotes consistency between home and school

In practice:
A child feeling anxious before a test (Yellow Zone) might use breathing techniques or a sensory tool from their "Zones Toolbox" to return to the Green Zone and feel ready to learn.

Intended impact:
To help CYP become more aware of their emotional states and develop lifelong self-regulation strategies.

Who and how can this intervention benefit?

Who:

All children, especially those with SEND, SEMH needs, or neurodivergence
Children with difficulties in emotional regulation, attention, or sensory processing

How:

By providing a visual, structured way to understand and manage emotions
By reducing behavioural incidents and improving engagement

How can this intervention be used? What needs can it support?

Use in:

Whole-class teaching, small groups, or 1:1 intervention

Supports:

Emotional regulation, behaviour, anxiety, sensory needs

Best suited for:

Children who struggle with transitions, frustration, or impulse control
Children with ASD, ADHD, or trauma backgrounds

How can schools/settings support with Zones of Regulation?

Embed the Zones language across the school day
Create visual displays and individualised "Zones Toolboxes"
Train staff to model and reinforce regulation strategies
Use Zones as part of behaviour or nurture support plans

How can families support with Zones of Regulation?

Use the same Zones language at home
Talk about emotions and model regulation strategies
Create a calm space or toolkit for regulation
Access resources via Just One Norfolk

How can you help CYP understand, be ready for and get the most out of Zones?

Introduce the Zones gradually with visuals and stories
Use real-life examples to explore feelings and triggers
Encourage reflection: "What zone are you in?"
Celebrate progress and effort, not just outcomes

What information/support is available nationally?

What information/support do we have in Norfolk?

Just One Norfolk - Zones of Regulation

Contacts/ Referrals

Speak with your School and Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant
Contact the SEND and Inclusion Line 0333 313 7165
Raise the topic at your Team Around the School (TAS) meeting to discuss suitability and next steps