A calm space for busy days

How our Rest and Reset Room encourages emotional regulation 

In the midst of a lively and active school day, where children are consistently engaged and alert, our Rest and Reset Room offers pupils a space where they can relax and regain focus. The room has been thoughtfully designed to provide children with a peaceful space during the lunchtime period, where they can pause, recharge and return to the afternoon feeling calm and ready to learn. 

Intentionally free from digital devices, the room promotes the use of mindful activities for regulating emotions. From breathing exercises to colouring, fidget toys and books, children are encouraged to take ownership of their wellbeing by recognising when they might benefit from using the space. While staff may gently suggest its use, and the room is always supervised by two members of staff who are available should any child wish to talk, reflect or seek support, the emphasis is firmly on helping pupils to develop their own awareness and self-regulation skills. 

The environment itself is designed to promote calmness, with posters that guide breathing techniques and relaxing music to support regulation. We regularly encourage children to talk about how they are feeling and explore strategies that help them feel better. This consistent support helps them build the skills they need to recognise their emotions and manage them more independently over time.

Lindsey Ridley, Head of Year 2 and Head of Life Skills 

The Rest and Reset Room is an important part of Fairfield’s wider pastoral care provision. In today’s fast paced world, the importance of mental health and wellbeing cannot be overstated, especially among young individuals, and we aim to help them develop the strategies they will need to navigate in modern society.  At Fairfield, we place significant emphasis on nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of all pupils and supporting their development via our Life Skills curriculum.  

 Several of our staff members are trained in children and young people’s mental health, including our qualified school counsellor, who is available to children when necessary. This ensures that every pupil has access to the support they may need as they navigate their school life.  

The Rest and Reset Room complements our approach to pastoral care by providing a daily, accessible space where children can receive immediate support. It also gives pupils another opportunity to reach out to trusted adults, while encouraging them to develop independence in recognising and managing their own feelings. 

The response from pupils has been extremely positive. In just over half a term, we have welcomed more than one hundred visitors to the Rest and Reset Room. Children from all year groups have accessed the space, using it for a wide range of reasons.