Understanding Emotional Regulation Zones: A Whole-School Approach

Course introduction

A Whole-School Approach to Helping Children Recognise, Understand and Manage Their Emotions

What happens when a child becomes overwhelmed by their emotions? And are we always responding in ways that help?

Emotional regulation plays a vital role in children’s learning, behaviour, relationships and wellbeing. Yet recognising emotions, understanding what triggers them and knowing how to respond can be challenging for children and young people, particularly those with SEND/ALN or who are neurodivergent.

Before we expect children to regulate their emotions, we need to understand what might be making regulation difficult in the first place.

This practical and engaging 3-hour course explores how emotional regulation develops, why some children experience greater difficulties and how a consistent, whole-school approach can help create environments where everyone feels safe, understood and able to thrive.

Participants will explore the relationship between brain development, emotions and behaviour, alongside the impact of neurodiversity, sensory needs, relationships and the school environment.

We’ll consider a range of practical strategies to help children recognise, understand and communicate their emotions, develop greater self-awareness and build the skills needed to respond to challenging situations.

The course also examines the importance of co-regulation, the language we use and how adult responses can either support emotional regulation or unintentionally escalate situations. Emotional regulation shouldn’t be the responsibility of one teacher, one classroom or one department. It needs to be embedded across the whole school. From classrooms and corridors to playgrounds and home, we’ll explore how shared understanding, consistent language and supportive approaches can help children develop emotional regulation skills throughout their day.

With opportunities to discuss real-life challenges, share experiences and develop practical solutions, participants will leave with strategies and resources they can implement immediately, alongside a practical action plan to support emotional regulation across their school.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand emotional regulation: Explore how brain development, stress, neurodiversity and SEND/ALN influence emotional regulation and behaviour.

• Create supportive environments: Identify how relationships, routines and environments across the school can support emotional awareness, co-regulation and self-regulation.

• Develop consistent whole-school approaches: Explore practical strategies and shared language that all staff can use to help children recognise, understand and manage their emotions.

• Strengthen emotional awareness and collaboration: Explore ways to develop children's self-awareness and metacognition, while encouraging collaboration between staff, children and families.

• Create a whole-school action plan: Identify practical steps to embed emotional regulation into everyday school practice, policies and routines, promoting a consistent and sustainable approach.

Target audience

Headteachers, Deputy and Assistant Headteachers, Teachers, Teaching Assistants, SENCOs/ALNCos, Pastoral Leads, Behaviour Leads, Inclusion Leads, Mental Health and Wellbeing Leads, Therapists, Family Support Workers and all professionals supporting children’s emotional development, behaviour and wellbeing.

Trainers for this course

Karen Ferguson

BSc (Hons), QTS, MEd, MA

Karen is currently working part-time in a mainstream Primary School as SENDCO, while the remaining part of her week is spent supporting and training. Karen started teaching science at a... mainstream secondary school in 2000 but moved into the SEND environment, working with children and parents to help them overcome their barriers to education to give them the skills to achieve their full potential. The majority of her training was on the job, which showed the need for training in this area. She was appointed as a Specialist Leader in Education for Autism, and this allowed her to disseminate good practice and deliver training in the field of SEND. Karen offers various SEND, Neurodivergent and condition specific training, including Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia. She has continued her professional development throughout the years, including a Master in Arts, Master in Education, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and PDA formal qualifications. She is currently working towards her NPQSEN. Karen believes that a better understanding of SEND, Neurodivergence and complex needs can be achieved through information sharing, and she is committed to ensuring that education is developed and delivered to as many people as possible.Read more

See what others have to say about us

The tremendous amount of resources and information gained from this course was invaluable. I gained new skills and strategies to support EAL learners at our school. Nina was very knowledgeable and approachable when I had any specific queries. I thoroughly recommend this course.

Excellent EBSA conference today. Loads of fabulous information. Highly recommend to anyone who works with children and parents attend.

This is such an informative conference with guest speakers that bring a different view on the EBSA conversation. Looking forward to this afternoon’s sessions, thank you.

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive a mid-morning break to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course handouts will be emailed to you on the morning of the course.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please Note – the cost is per person
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.