Restorative Practice
Restorative Approach
Restorative Approaches are inspired by the philosophy and practices of Restorative Justice which aims to repair harm caused to relationships and communities by conflict.
Crucially it is believed that is best achieved by focusing upon the harm caused,rather than assigning blame and dispensing punishment which often fails to address the needs of those most affected.
The 5 R’s
Restorative Approach is based on five key features –
Respect
Relationships
Responsibility
Repair
Reintegration
Positive, respectful way of communicating
It encourages young people to take responsibility for their actions and resolve issues in a calm, safe environment.
Restorative Practice aims to improve and develop:
Behaviour
Emotional Literacy
Accountability
Learning
Attendance
Conflict Resolution
Empathy
Checking in & out
Check in examples:
- If I was the head of the school, what would I change?
- What would be your favourite meal?
- If you could be any celebrity/animal who/what would you be?
- If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- What super powers would you like to have?
- What is your favourite….lesson (today/yesterday/tomorrow)
- What country would you most like to visit and why?
- Favourite….sport/TV programme/colour/book/song?
- What makes a good friend?
- What do you most like about your best friend?
- What makes your classroom happy to be in?
- What is your favourite subject and why?
- What makes you feel good about yourself?
- How will you affect others this week?
- Think of someone who has done something nice for you?
- Think of something nice you have done for someone else?
Check out examples:
- Reflection
- Have you achieved your targets – subjects/homework/behaviour?
- Identify targets for next week?
Rules for circle time:
- No-one to talk unless they have the object in their hand
- Everyone to listen to others
- Classroom voices to be used (calm)
- Eye contact
- Stay in your seat
- No personal comments
- What is said in the room stays in the room
- Respect other people’s points of view
- Honesty
- Only one person speaking at a time