The Lundy model and Zones of Regulation, working together
One helps a child name how they feel. The other makes sure an adult hears it and acts. Here is what each framework is, how they differ, and how primary schools use both in a daily check-in.
The short answer
- The Lundy model
- A model of children's participation built on Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It has four elements: Space, Voice, Audience and Influence.
- The Zones of Regulation®
- A framework for teaching self-regulation. It groups feelings and energy levels into four coloured zones (blue, green, yellow and red) and teaches strategies for each.
- How they fit together
- The Zones help a child recognise and name how they feel. The Lundy model makes sure an adult hears it and acts. Many primary schools use both, and a daily check-in puts them into practice together.
What is the Lundy model?
The Lundy model of child participation was set out by Professor Laura Lundy of Queen's University Belfast in 2007. It turns Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child's right to express their views and have them given due weight, into four practical steps. Its message is that voice alone is not enough: a child's view has to reach someone and make a difference.
It is used by the European Union and was endorsed by the Irish Government in its national strategy on children's participation. In schools it is a simple test of whether pupil voice is meaningful or tokenistic.
1. Space
Children have a safe, inclusive chance to form and share a view.
In a primary school
A private moment to check in, without having to speak up in front of the class.
2. Voice
Children get the help they need to express that view, in a way that suits them.
In a primary school
Faces, pictures and simple choices for pupils who can't yet read or write a survey.
3. Audience
The view reaches someone with the responsibility to listen.
In a primary school
A trusted adult who sees it the same day, and a route to the welfare team if needed.
4. Influence
The view is acted on where appropriate, and children are told what happened.
In a primary school
Leaders act on what pupils say and share it back: “you said, we did”.
Space and Voice are about a child's right to express a view. Audience and Influence are about that view being given due weight: the two parts of Article 12.
What is the Zones of Regulation?
The Zones of Regulation® is a framework for teaching self-regulation, developed by occupational therapist Leah Kuypers from 2008. It organises feelings, states of alertness and energy levels into four coloured zones, and gives children and adults a shared language for talking about them.
Children learn to notice which zone they are in and to choose a strategy that helps. Every zone is okay: the aim is to understand feelings, not to judge them. Many UK primary schools teach it as part of their wellbeing and personal development work.
The four zones, in brief
- Blue: low energy states, such as feeling tired, sad, bored or unwell
- Green: calm and focused, ready to learn
- Yellow: heightened states, such as feeling worried, frustrated, silly or excited
- Red: very intense feelings, such as anger or fear that feel out of control
For the full framework, training and resources, visit zonesofregulation.com.
Lundy model and Zones of Regulation compared
They are often mentioned together, but they do different jobs. One builds the child's skills; the other checks that the school is listening.
| Aspect | Lundy model | Zones of Regulation® |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A model of children's participation in decisions that affect them | A framework for teaching self-regulation and managing feelings |
| Who it focuses on | The adults and systems that should hear children | The child, and the adults who support them |
| The question it answers | Is the child's view heard, and does it make a difference? | How am I feeling, and what can I do about it? |
| Its parts | Space, Voice, Audience and Influence | Four coloured zones, plus tools and strategies |
| Where it comes from | Professor Laura Lundy, Queen's University Belfast, 2007, based on Article 12 of the UNCRC | Occupational therapist Leah Kuypers, developed from 2008 |
| What it looks like in school | Pupil voice that reaches a responsible adult and leads to change pupils can see | A shared language for feelings, taught in lessons and used through the day |
Both, in one daily check-in
Moodly is a pupil voice and wellbeing platform for primary schools. Pupils tap an emoji to share how they feel, in under 30 seconds. The zones help them name it; the Lundy model makes sure it is heard.
Zones in your school's language
Group emotions into zones with your own names, colours and emoji. If your school teaches The Zones of Regulation®, you can set your zones up to match, so the morning check-in uses words pupils already know.
Each zone decides what happens next
A zone can ask a follow-up question with emoji choices, invite pupils to write in their own words, or open a short survey. A pupil who picks worried can be asked why, while a pupil who feels fine heads straight to class.
An adult hears it and acts
Teachers see every check-in straight away, add notes after a quiet chat and raise concerns with the welfare and safeguarding team. Trends by class and group show leaders what to change.
Example check-in zones
Set up by your school
- Feeling good
Follow-up: No follow-up
- Feeling low
Follow-up: Emoji choices
- Big feelings
Follow-up: Emoji choices and free text
A pupil picks worried
Why are you feeling worried?
Zone names, colours, emotions and follow-ups are examples. Each school sets its own.
Lundy and Zones questions
Sources
- Lundy, L. (2007). ‘Voice’ is not enough: conceptualising Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. British Educational Research Journal, 33(6), 927–942.
- European Union, The Lundy model of child participation
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 12
- The Zones of Regulation, Inc., What are the four Zones of Regulation?
The Zones of Regulation® is a trademark and the intellectual property of Leah Kuypers and The Zones of Regulation, Inc. Moodly is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Zones of Regulation, Inc., and does not include its curriculum or materials. Moodly helps schools gather and evidence pupil voice; it doesn't make a school compliant on its own.
Give every pupil the words, and an adult who listens
See how zones and follow-up questions work in a primary classroom, or start a free trial and run your first check-ins this week.