Zones of Regulation

The Zones of Regulation Curriculum (ZOR) is an evidence-backed approach to emotional literacy, providing children with tools to: identify their feelings at any given moment, decide whether this helps them in pursuit of their current goal, and refocus (or regulate) their energy using a child-led toolkit.

The language of ZOR is used across the school by all adults, with each class having their own designated check in, regulation station and lanyard toolkit to promote self-regulation. Launched in September, the language of the four colour zones and the tools we can use (such as Stop, Opt and Go) are revisited in each PSHE lesson and throughout the school day.

We are all human and our range of emotions is what makes us that way but the ZOR scheme provides tools to help children manage their emotions if they are feeling uncomfortable in their current zone. Our core message with emotional regulation has always been, and will continue to be, “all the zones are ok” though where individual children find particular challenges with managing their emotions, our pastoral team can develop more individualised support.

Here are what our children have to say about how the ZOR approach has been for them:

“It’s better using zones now because you know how you’re feeling, you can say what you’re feeling and you know what you can do about it.”

“Sometimes, when my little sister is unhappy, I talk to her about the zones. I made a check in to go next to our bed and we talk about what she can do or how I can help her feel better.”

“It’s good to regulate your emotions because then they won’t take control. When you face a problem, the tools can help with that – I like using fidgets and mindful looking activities.”

“When I found out about the zones, I told my mum about it and she made me a regulation box at home so now when I’m not feeling green, there are things at home to really help me.”

There is a handy parent guide below to explain further or you can access the official website here. We also hope that your children will be able to talk about the four zones and the toolkits they have built confidently and maybe even bring the ZOR language and tools into your homes too.