Developing a whole school Restorative Approach

About the Restorative Approach (RA)

RA is a respectful, supportive method of communication and problem solving, which promotes positive relationships.

It supports and encourages a shift in core values towards a restorative model which focuses on building respectful relationships and the school as a community. It supports a sense of belonging and ensures that when challenges arise, everyone works together to resolve issues and repair harm.

RA is intended to be a whole school approach which improves relationships, behaviour and achievement.

It looks at three core areas:

1. Daily practice - the approaches and actions we take each day to promote a sense of belonging and community.
2. Proactive Practice - the steps we take to support pupils when we notice they may be struggling.
3. Restorative Conversations - facilitating a restorative conversation to repair harm and  restore relationships.

Support we offer

• Foundation Training for all staff - the equivalent of one day of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).  A whole school CPD day is most effective, however there are flexible options for facilitation if required.
• RA support offer - once schools have completed the Foundation Training, they can then access up to six sessions to support the implementation of RA within school. There are various areas of focus depending on the needs and priorities of schools, including:
  • Lunchtime Supervisor Training
  • Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Adaptations
  • Emotional Wellbeing Planning
  • Peer Mentor / Buddy Developments
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Adaptations
  • Respectful Relationships Policy Development
  • Restorative Approach with Parents

89% of staff reported increased confidence in resolving conflict.

Learning time is maximised as conflicts are resolved more fully and quickly.

Expected outcomes for children, young people and schools

As evidenced by Restorative Schools in Durham and in other areas of the country, we would expect positive outcomes for children and schools across a range of indicators including:

• improved relationships
• improved attendance and attainment
• calmer classrooms
• more positive break and lunchtimes
• increased skills in managing conflicts
• increased resilience

Staff will gain confidence in developing a restorative ethos, gain skills in promoting respectful and positive relationships, and in facilitating restorative conversation as a means of interacting with others and managing conflict.

90% of pupils reported an improvement in how staff supported them in times of conflict.

Pupils have an increased empathy and willingness to listen to another person's point of view.

Who the training is for

• RA is an inclusive approach suitable for all education provisions working with children and young people from two to 18 years.
• All school staff and community partners are welcome and encouraged to attend the training.

Cost

At present, the Restorative Approaches offer is free for up to 15 County Durham schools or settings across each academic year. 

For further information, please see our Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) courses page to book a place on one of the termly awareness raising sessions.

To sign up for the Restorative Approaches offer for your school or setting, please Contact SEND and Inclusion Service (EDC).