The ‘Zones’ have been created to provide a visual system to categorize complex feelings and states that pupils experience on a daily basis.

Our Aim: To support pupils to develop a greater understanding of their own emotions and states to learn how to self-regulate.

At Montacute school we believe that our 'Zones' best support pupils when delivered in a holistic way. We have developed the 'Zones' to be embedded in everyday life at Montacute.

The Montacute Zones of Emotion have influenced the development of: 

‘Montacute Zones of Emotion’ will be taught as a whole school approach in dedicated sessions and throughout the school day. The lessons and activities are deigned to help pupils recognise complex emotions in themselves and others; learning to use strategies to support self-regulation.

Montacute is a total communication environment. To support our young people a variety of communication resources have been developed including, PECS, Symbol Communication Books and Objects of Reference. 

• Pecs Book Tool-Kits (6 or 9 symbols)

• Communication books (stages 1-3)

• Objects of Reference

• VI Keyrings (Braille)

• Tool-Kit fobs for staff and pupils. 

• A3 communication boards displayed in shared areas around the school

The 'Montacute Zones of Emotion' have influenced the development of support plans, clearly describing how individual pupils present in each zone and the tools that they can use to self-regulate complex emotions or state of alertness. 

At Montacute we believe that all behaviour is form of communication. Our aim is to provide pupils with the means to communicate their needs effectively; develop an awareness and understanding of  complex emotions using a visual system; and to identify and learn how to use tools to self-regulate. 

All pupils have a 'My Zones' section on Iris adapt that has been created asking the questions below. 

Our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant has worked with the senior leadership team to imbed 'Montacute Zones of Emotion' as part of bespoke ELSA sessions with pupils. Pupils who are accessing regular ELSA sessions to develop their own emotional awareness will be supported to use the 'Zones' and understand how they use their tool-kits and to help them regulate in school and at home. 

ELSA sessions are delivered in a specialist area, designed and developed by our well-being team.