Zones of Regulation

We use the Zones of Regulation approach to support emotional development and self–regulation. It categorises different emotional states into four colour-coded zones:

Blue Zone (Low energy, sad, or tired): 

• This zone represents feelings like sadness, boredom, tiredness, or being sick. When in the Blue Zone, a person might feel down or unmotivated. They may need rest or something to help lift their mood. 

Green Zone (Calm, happy, focused): 

• This is the “good to go” zone. It represents calmness, happiness, focus, and feeling in control. Being in the Green Zone means a person can focus, engage in activities, and interact with others in a positive and regulated way. 

Yellow Zone (Elevated emotions, anxious, excited): 

• The Yellow Zone is for when a person is starting to lose control of their emotions or energy. They might feel anxious, excited, or frustrated but are still able to think clearly and regain control. This zone suggests a need for strategies to calm down before emotions escalate further. 

Red Zone (Out of control, angry, aggressive): 

• The Red Zone represents intense emotions like anger, rage, or panic. In this zone, a person may feel overwhelmed and out of control. It often leads to disruptive behaviour, and it’s important to use strategies to de-escalate and regain emotional regulation. 

The Zones of Regulation helps individuals identify which zone they are in, understand the impact of their emotions, and learn appropriate strategies to move toward the Green Zone, where they can be most effective and in control.  

Each child self-registers each morning, identifying which zone they are in each day, staff and peers take a collective responsibility in supporting each other to regulate and find ways to be green.