Well being

Looking After Ourselves

At Norley CE Primary School, the wellbeing of everyone in our community is a top priority. We are committed to creating an environment where all members of the school community can thrive and flourish together. All staff are trauma-informed and use this understanding to support individuals effectively. Staff have also completed Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training, ensuring that we use consistent, positive approaches when supporting all of our children.

The Zones of Regulation is a whole-school approach used to help children understand, manage, and communicate their emotions and behaviour in a positive way.

The approach groups feelings and levels of alertness into four coloured zones. The colours are used as a visual and non-judgemental way to talk about emotions:

• Blue Zone – Low energy or down feelings such as tired, sad, bored, or unwell.

• Green Zone – Calm, happy, focused, and ready to learn. This is the optimal zone for learning.

• Yellow Zone – Heightened emotions and energy, such as anxious, excited, frustrated, or worried.

• Red Zone – Very strong emotions that may feel overwhelming, such as anger, panic, or extreme distress.

All zones are considered normal—there is no “bad” zone. The focus is on recognising how we feel and learning strategies to regulate emotions when needed.

In school, the Zones of Regulation are embedded into daily routines and classroom practice to support children’s emotional wellbeing and self-regulation skills.

• Emotional awareness: Children are taught to identify which zone they are in and name their feelings using a shared, consistent language across the school.

• Self-regulation strategies: Staff support children to learn and practise strategies that help them move towards the Green Zone when appropriate (e.g. breathing exercises, movement breaks, sensory tools, quiet spaces).

• Visual supports: Classrooms display Zones visuals, emotion charts, and strategy toolkits to help children independently recognise and manage their emotions.

• Supportive conversations: Adults use the Zones language during calm and challenging moments to help children reflect on their feelings and choose appropriate strategies.

• Inclusive approach: The Zones are used with all children, recognising that everyone experiences different emotions at different times.

Using the Zones of Regulation helps children to:

• Develop emotional literacy and self-awareness

• Build resilience and coping skills

• Improve focus, behaviour, and readiness to learn

• Feel supported, understood, and safe within the school environment

By using a consistent, whole-school approach, the Zones of Regulation support positive mental health and help children develop lifelong skills for managing emotions.

ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is a school-based intervention designed to support children’s emotional wellbeing and help them develop the skills they need to understand and manage their emotions.

ELSA is delivered by trained members of school staff, usually teaching assistants, who have completed specialist training from educational psychologists. ELSAs work under the guidance and supervision of an educational psychologist to provide targeted emotional support for children who may be experiencing social, emotional, or mental health difficulties.

ELSA support is designed for children who may need additional emotional support beyond universal classroom provision but do not require specialist clinical intervention. It helps bridge the gap between whole-school wellbeing support and external services.

We also have access to external counselling services if required.

Mental Health Support

Action for Children – helps parents to spot the signs of poor mental health in their child and explains what to do to help

NSPCC – a range of advice on how to support your child if you are concerned that they may be struggling with their mental health or be anxious about coronavirus

Every Mind Matters – simple and practical advice to support your mental health and wellbeing, including advice on looking after children and young people.

Samaritans can help if you are worried that someone you know is suicidal, including your child.

Young Minds' free Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544 for confidential, expert advice, if you have urgent concerns about your child's mental health and wellbeing.

The Cheshire West Live Well website is designed to provide information, advice, and support to help people improve their health and wellbeing. It acts as an accessible, trusted hub where individuals, families, and professionals can find guidance to support healthy lifestyles and positive mental health.https://www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/

NSPCC PANTS materials are used in school to teach children essential safeguarding and personal safety skills in an age-appropriate, sensitive, and empowering way.

The PANTS programme is a child-friendly safeguarding resource developed by the NSPCC. It uses simple language, stories, songs, and characters to help children understand important messages about their bodies and personal boundaries.

Lessons are carefully planned and delivered by trained staff to ensure the content is age-appropriate and supportive.