This week, our SEND Spotlight focuses on how we help children develop emotional regulation skills, especially during the busy first weeks of term. Many pupils - with or without SEND - can find it challenging to manage big feelings, changes in routine or moments of frustration. To support this, staff use a range of strategies including calm corners, movement breaks, breathing techniques and visual prompts.

One of the key tools we use is the Zones of Regulation, a simple, child‑friendly framework that helps pupils recognise how they are feeling and choose strategies to help themselves. The Zones use four colours to represent different emotional states - for example, feeling calm, excited, worried or tired - and help children understand that all feelings are normal, while also learning what they can do to feel safe and ready to learn.

Teachers use the Zones daily through check‑ins, visual charts and supportive conversations. If you would like a Zones of Regulation chart or simple strategies to use at home, please let us know - we’re always happy to share resources that support consistency between home and school.

Additionally, this week's SEND Spotlight highlights DSPL9's parent/carer coffee mornings. The aim of these relaxed meetings is to provide a safe space where you can talk freely about your child/young person and your family, and the challenges you are facing. They enable parents/carers to meet other local parents and connect with likeminded people in their community that may be going through similar challenges.

Please join DSPL9 and Space Herts to find out about the support available locally and to meet other parents and carers of children with SEND.