AUTISM INCLUSION TEACHER

Hello from the Autism Teacher,

Supporting Emotional Regulation at Hackham East Primary School

At Hackham East Primary School, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all our students, including both neurodiverse and neurotypical children. We understand that learning to manage our emotions is a vital skill, and we take pride in the range of strategies we have in place to support each child’s emotional wellbeing. In this newsletter article I invite you to take a "virtual tour" of the key supports we’ve implemented across the school to help our students navigate their feelings and grow into confident, self-regulated learners.

Classroom Calm Spaces

One of the key features in every classroom is the availability of a calm space. These calm spaces are thoughtfully designed to give children a quiet area where they can take a break, reset, and practise regulating their emotions when they feel overwhelmed or just need a moment to themselves. Children are encouraged to use these spaces as needed, helping them recognise and manage their emotions independently.

Our Interoception Room

In addition, we have an interoception room in our library. Interoception involves understanding and responding to the signals our bodies send us, which is especially important for emotional regulation. This supervised, calming space is available to any student who needs help regulating their emotions, whether first thing in the morning or during class time. Our staff are on hand to support students until they feel "ready for learning" and can be transitioned back to their classrooms. 

If you would like more information on emotional regulation strategies or about our interoception or calm spaces, please reach out. 

Claire McGarvey

Autism Inclusion Teacher