Restorative Practice is “a way of being, an underpinning ethos, which enables us to build and maintain healthy relationships. It provides a strong framework within which we can promote a whole school ethos founded on the importance of relationships. This is includes a range of approaches to managing conflict and tensions in a way that repairs harm and mends relationships if and when those relationships break down.” (Mark Finnis)
Restorative approaches allow adults to model emotional literacy and develop the student’s empathy, so that their drive to behave in a negative way is challenged not by sanctions, but by the impact the behaviour has on others in society. It is not about using fear to force a person to change behaviour or make amends, but instead using structured conversation to make them accountable for their actions & helps to identify how a resolution can be found.
The guidance & resources within this site will enable practitioners to develop restorative practices across their setting in order to minimise the impact of conflict in their setting.
