Restorative Justice

Description

Restorative Interventions in Schools

A “Restorative Solution” is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution where the person who has done something wrong in a given situation becomes accountable to those s/he has harmed. This person is then given the opportunity to “make up” for their inappropriate behaviour through agreement and reparation. An intervention can involve a formal conference, or it can be a simple conversation on a corridor or playground. Restorative Interventions work with all ages of young people, and the techniques can be used in parental meetings, can prevent exclusions and challenge poor behaviour. Our feedback tells us that when problems between young people are addressed in this way, those problems rarely reoccur.

Course Category

Behaviour and Relationships
Teaching and Learning

Description

Restorative Interventions in Schools

A “Restorative Solution” is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution where the person who has done something wrong in a given situation becomes accountable to those s/he has harmed. This person is then given the opportunity to “make up” for their inappropriate behaviour through agreement and reparation. An intervention can involve a formal conference, or it can be a simple conversation on a corridor or playground. Restorative Interventions work with all ages of young people, and the techniques can be used in parental meetings, can prevent exclusions and challenge poor behaviour. Our feedback tells us that when problems between young people are addressed in this way, those problems rarely reoccur.

Also Available on line – self paced learning… give it a try!

Testimonials

‘Interesting. A different approach. Another ‘weapon’ in the armoury. Will try to use.’

‘Made me think how I can approach confrontations differently. Useful, reminded me where my focus should be and that things will be difficult at times, but that’s no excuse to stay in the comfort zone!’

‘Excellent day. Lots of ideas to take away and use on a daily basis. Thanks.’

‘Nice to do some work on behaviour without sanctions and restraints in mind’

Learning Objectives

1. To introduce participants to Restorative Interventions
2. To develop understanding of value and role in developing inclusive practice of Restorative Interventions
3. To develop and practise Restorative Intervention skills processes
4. Opportunity to reflect on professional practice
5. Mutual support established with other ‘front line’ practitioners

Who Is It For ?

• Multi Agency Teams
• Social workers
• CAMHS teams
• Year Managers
• Primary and secondary staff
• Early Years and School based Practitioners
• Heads and Deputies
• SENCOs
• Advanced Skills Teachers
• Primary and secondary teachers
• Local Authority Support Services

Course Content

This can be introduced in one day or as a workshop but is better offered over a series of sessions.

The course answers the questions:

• What should we do if rewards and punishments do not work?
• Can we find an alternative process to recommending permanent exclusion or special unit or school placement?
• Struggling with a child for whom praise and sanctions seem ineffective?
• Want to develop a more restorative school or team?
• I need a process which works with relationships not just behaviour. What will work for our relationships policy?

This day’s training will enable participants to facilitate Short Restorative Conferences, and will suggest ways of working with young people and others that will help to repair broken relationships, and challenge some difficult behaviour. Including all those affected by an incident in its resolution is a powerful way of producing significant improvements in behaviour.

We will cover:

• What are restorative solutions?
• Background and detailed teaching of processes
• Inclusion values underpinning this work
• Processes modelled and opportunities to try process out
• Practical setting up of restorative conferences
• Stories and outcomes