Basic Introduction to Restorative Approaches – 45 Minutes Lynne Russell – Director Restorative Justice 4 Schools

Introductions Gravesham Excellence Cluster - BIP

What are Restorative Approaches? An understanding of how a community works An understanding of our responsibilities to the communities that we are part of Confront unacceptable behaviour Praise acceptable behaviour Model restorative approaches Develop self regulating communities An understanding of the skills needed to communicate with each other and a commitment to developing these Communication skills - Listening , Questioning, Answering Shared language

Types of Restorative Approaches Communication skills Listening skills/Questioning skills/Answering skills Shared language Peer mentoring, mediation, facilitation, peer panels, support partners Whole school/department staff meetings Classroom norms Restorative circles Restorative conversations/statements Restorative justice conferences Gravesham Excellence Cluster - BIP

The 4 R’s RJ is based on four key features RESPECT RESPONSIBILTY REPAIR REINTEGRATION Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

What can RJ do for a School? Happier and safer school Mutually respectful relationships More effective teaching and learning Reducing exclusions Raising attendance Developing emotional literacy Addressing bullying behaviours Raising morale by culture of inclusion and belonging Reduces entry into CJS IT IS NOT A SOFT OPTION

What is Restorative Justice Conferencing ? A process for resolving conflict A common language to resolve conflict Focuses on the needs of the victim Allows the wrongdoer(s) to understand the impact of their actions Encourages wrongdoer(s) to take responsibility for their actions Therefore creates accountability Likely to change behaviour and build character Gravesham Excellence Cluster - BIP

How does it work? Develops a common language to discuss conflict Creates a way to see your behaviour clearly and its affects on others Creates a responsibility to learn from conflict Creates a responsibility to behave better in the immediate future Produces positive outcomes from a negative situation.

The Aim of Restorative Justice is to Creates positive outcomes from negative behaviour Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

Traditional V Restorative What happened Who’s responsible What do sanction do I need to enforce to change behaviour deter others avoid reoffending What happened Who’s been affected What needs to happen to put things right How can I support this process to change behaviour deter others avoid reoffending Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

So how does RJ make sense of this? In a restorative school more emphasis is put on personal responsibility What we do when we have done something wrong AND when someone has done something wrong to us When conflict happens there is a structure to resolve it It allows people to learn from their mistakes so mistakes aren't repeated over and over

Traditional V Restorative What happened Whose responsible What do sanction do I need to enforce to change behaviour deter others avoid reoffending What happened Whose been affected What needs to happen to put things right How can I support this process to change behaviour deter others avoid reoffending

RJ V Punishment RJ is not an opt out of punishment Conferencing can take place along side punitive measures if the sanction is seen as unavoidable or constructive Conferencing can take place and effective engagement would cause punitive response to become suspended. Conferencing can produce a nominated sanctions, reparation or financial restitution Young people can be asked to give an apology of actions not just words THAT SAID It is considered more effective when made part of a no blame approach Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd Gravesham Excellence Cluster - BIP

Blue RJ Script Cards Corridor Conference Script – non prep quick script to ensure that harm has been repaired Acknowledged Harm – can be used for both informal and formal conferences but most often for preparation of these conferences In both circumstances the questions are the same for both the harmed person and the harmer

Restorative Justice Conferencing -Relational Questions What happened? What were you thinking (feeling) at the time? What do you think (feel) about it now? Who has been affected by what has happened? - In what way? What has been the hardest thing for you? What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

Restorative Art Displays from York Road School Dartford Kent Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

Engaging Pupils in RA By modelling the approach By promoting communication skills By promoting shared language Curriculum – Citizenship – PHSE – English Information Website Assemblies Direct involvement Peer mentoring/mediation/facilitation/peer panels School council Transition

Positive Outcome from Conferencing Genuine apology Acknowledgement of harm Conflict stops Resolution to the problem Change of behaviour Friendships/relationships can be repaired Lessons are learnt Not be in trouble Promotes truth telling YP take responsibility for their behaviour Strategy for a better future Not criminalised Able to stay in education

Hierarchy of Restorative Circles Formal Informal Classroom Issue of Harm General Conversation Aim Lesson/Day Games Check In & Out Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

Implementation: The First Step Within All Lessons Staff Model Approach Restorative Norms Check in and check out Restorative Language Extra Curriculum Peer mentoring, mediation Restorative justice conferencing Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

Training Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd Whole school training 3 Day conferencing facilitation training Peer mentoring/facilitation training Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

Collingwood Primary School 15 mins. D V D Collingwood Primary School 15 mins.

Contact Details enquiry@restorativejustice4schools.co.uk www.restorativejustice4schools.co.uk Restorative Justice 4 Schools – Facebook 07773 797 587