At The Key, we utilise this fantastic skill when co-regulating with someone is very heightened. It provides an opportunity for the pupil to improve their emotional literacy and to develop their understanding of their own body and stress response system.

As can be seen from another fantastic resource from Beacon House, the key principles are: Regulate, Relate then Reason. They must be completed in order, as we know that if a child is heightened, we need to wait until they have accessed their Window of Tolerance.

It is really important to remember to validate the emotion of the other person as part of the initial regulation stage - i.e. 'I can see that you are really sad right now..'

It is also imperative that you show empathy throughout.

This model was devised by Dr Dan Hughes as part of his work with children who had experienced childhood trauma.

It is is a really simple, yet effective way to remember the most effective way to engage with children and we promote it at The Key as a guide for all staff interactions, whether with pupils or other staff