Restorative Practice is not about replacing traditional behaviour management systems. It’s certainly not about being soft or turning a blind eye to poor behaviour. It’s about elevating the culture of a school so people are pulled in, not pushed out; about fostering a greater sense of community and about encouraging a willingness to act in the right way for the right reasons. Although its roots are clearly in restorative justice – as a way of repairing the harm done to the community and relationships within it – restorative practice has the bolder ambition of proactively developing the sense of community and seeking to increase the quality of the relationships across the school and, from there, the wider community. So, how do you change the culture of a school? One classroom at a time. Where do you start? In the one you’re in now.
The Power of Restorative Practice