The Safe Space

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is The Safe Space?

An area for time out - in the ‘chilling’ sense, NOT for punishment.

An area to cool down, cry, read, have some quiet time, some thinking time, some recovery time or to

safely take out some anger or frustration.

 

Who can use it?

Any child in school.

 

How it is NOT be used

This is not a punishment/consequence area and isn't a place to discpline children. Nor is it a reward or play area.

 

How it is used

If a child appears to be distressed, upset, crying, anxious, frightened, angry, has had bad news, acting strangely, attempting or actually has self harmed-they can be taken to the Safe Space.

 

An adult will accompany the child to the space and provide opportunities for them to calm down, relax, vent anger, think about what is making them feel this way and create an atmosphere that allows the child fell confidence in confiding and being reassured.

 

In addition to the ‘initial’ use of the Safe Space, (e.g. when the child is in distress) staff may also return to the area the following day/days to talk further, allowing the child to express more feelings and to process the event. 

 

What is there?

• A tent - to hide in and to feel safe in. There are lights inside it, a colour changing ‘egg’, a cuddle light-up cushion and special stories e.g.The Huge Bag of Worries … and a Worry Eater.

• Sensory wall - to explore mindfullness.

• A worry tree - to write down worries and hang them on the tree.

• A worry bag - similar to the tree only the worries are put in the bag for The Worry Eater.

• Various lamps and lights including a star ceiling projector - to create atmosphere.

• An emotion information wall and fact file for older children describing various psychiatric conditions in a child-friendly way.

• Cushions and instruments - to help with rhythmic breathing or frustration.

• CD player with headphones - for meditation, relaxation or rocking out!

• A ‘Stomping Area’ and thumping pillow - it’s sometimes better to get rid of the frustration/anger before trying to calm down.

• Various tactile objects such as feathers and shells - to meditate with or for mindfulness.

• Relaxation Bottles - visual mindfulness.

• Smelling Jars - sensory mindfullness.

• Bubbles - these are great for blowing away anger/frustration.

• Colouring books - relaxation technique.

• A blackboard and chalk - for drawing worries and expressing emotions.

• Beads for threading - therapeutic activity.

• Fidget toys - objects to help children feel calm. 

• Chocolate, biscuits, hot chocolate, ice pops - for recovery after event. This isn’t just a treat, it’s a physiological need after a traumatic event when a lot of sugar is used in the fight/flight response.