The Tree House Room

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is increasingly apparent that nurturing our children’s emotional well-being is of paramount importance. At Potton Primary School, we are fully committed to fostering a nurturing environment, recognising its vital role in the holistic development of our pupils.

In response to the challenges that many children face today, we have created dedicated spaces within our school to support their emotional and social growth. One such area is our Tree House Room. This room has recently been redesigned to provide a calming, inviting atmosphere, allowing children to engage in play, enjoy quiet time, and momentarily step away from the hustle and bustle of the playground.

The Tree House Room is more than just a space; it embodies our philosophy of nurture. It serves as a sanctuary where variety of support is provided to our children. Here, our dedicated Family Support Worker, Mrs Desborough, alongside our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo), Mrs Ives, and our Mental Health Lead, Miss Carrington, work intensively with small groups and on a one-to-one basis. Their expertise enables them to address the individual needs of the children, ensuring that they receive the care and guidance necessary to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

We are incredibly proud of the Tree House Room and the positive impact it has had on our children. Feedback from both children and staff highlights how much this space has been valued, allowing children to feel secure, understood, and supported. We believe that every child deserves to grow in a nurturing environment, and we strive to provide that at Potton Primary School.

We encourage you, as parents and carers, to support this initiative by fostering open conversations with your children about their feelings and the importance of emotional well-being. Together, we can ensure that all our children feel safe and valued as they continue their educational journey

What are The Zones of Regulation?

At Potton Primary School, we have recently introduced Zones of Regulation to the children. But what is it and how does it help the mental health and wellbeing of everybody involved?

• A Curriculum for Emotional Understanding:

  The Zones of Regulation is a social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum designed to empower learners of all ages to understand their feelings and emotions, and to explore tools and strategies to support their well-being. 

• Categorising Emotions and States of Alertness:

  It uses four colour-coded zones (blue, green, yellow, and red) to categorise feelings and states of alertness, making it easier for children to identify and talk about their emotions. 

• Focus on Self-Regulation:

  The program emphasises self-regulation, which is the ability to manage one's emotions and behaviours effectively. 

• Tools and Strategies:

  It provides children with a "toolbox" of strategies and techniques to help them regulate their emotions and return to a calm, focused state. 

Why We're Using The Zones of Regulation:

• Improved Emotional Literacy:

  The program helps children develop their emotional literacy by providing a shared language for understanding and expressing emotions. 

• Enhanced Self-Regulation Skills:

  It teaches children valuable self-regulation skills, which are crucial for academic success and overall well-being. 

• Stronger Social-Emotional Skills:

  By understanding their own emotions and the emotions of others, children can build stronger social-emotional skills and improve their relationships. 

• Reduced Behavioural Challenges:

  By equipping children with tools to manage their emotions, the program can help reduce challenging behaviours in the classroom. 

• A Common Language:

  The Zones of Regulation provide a common language for communication, problem-solving, and emotional understanding.