Preventing harm and building relationships

A Restorative Approach (RA) focuses on repairing the harm to relationships, placing people at the heart of the response to conflict.

RA is an evidence-based approach in schools that has been proven to help reduce exclusions, increase feelings of responsibility and empathy and help staff to feel more confident in dealing with conflict.

We can support schools in a number of ways, including:

• Staff training at all levels including a basic introduction, full training in restorative facilitation, practitioner accreditation through the University of Greenwich, and mentoring and network groups for staff already trained in RA
• Bespoke advice and guidance on how to use RA as a tool to develop and maintain healthy relationships within a school community
• Direct work supporting individuals to repair the damage and move on after specific conflicts - see below.

Restorative Facilitation Service

If schools are dealing with complex conflict situations involving multiple pupils, parents and/or members of staff, the Restorative Facilitation Service can help by providing impartial and independent facilitators to support in finding a positive way forward.  Using restorative practices, our highly skilled facilitators have the necessary time and experience to dedicate to supporting parties to resolve conflicts and move on.

This service can support a school in two ways:

• Referring an individual case when required
• The 'Conflict Clinic' - similar to the Outreach Counselling model, restorative practitioners attend the school regularly (over a half-term or term) to provide faciliation and support to a number of young people/staff over experiencing conflict and relationship breakdown.

Peer Support Programmes

Delivery of a complete peer support/mediation programme, including strategic planning with school staff, training sessions, and follow up support, which encourages the effective participation of pupils. Our programme can be adapted to fit in with school priorities, focusing on peer mediation and conflict resolution, or peer mentoring, depending on the school need.

Anti-bullying Initiatives

If used appropriately, Restorative approaches can be a positive and effective response to bullying and we provide a range of interventions:

• Staff training
• Cyber-bullying workshops
• Bespoke support
• Advice on all issues related to bullying and bullying prevention

We focus our work around key events, like Anti-bullying Week in November, and Safer Internet Day in February, to ensure alignment with the national focus and maximum impact.