Implementing a restorative approach gives children a voice, replaces punishment with problem-solving, and addresses trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Successful implementation of a restorative approach requires comprehensive training, consistent use of language, updating behavior policies, and ongoing adjustments and improvements.
Deep dives
Implementing a Restorative Approach
Janine Dodds shares her experience of implementing a restorative approach in her school after experiencing issues with behavior. The decision to explore a restorative approach came after the school had a turbulent period and was known for bad behavior. The traditional behavior strategies weren't consistent or effective, and staff heavily relied on senior leaders to handle behavior issues. The restorative approach was seen as a way to give children a voice and address the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on behavior. It aimed to replace shaming and punishment with problem-solving and repairing relationships.
Introducing the Restorative Approach
To implement the restorative approach, the school conducted staff meetings and whole-day training sessions involving all staff members, including office staff, cleaning staff, and lunchtime supervisors. The training focused on explaining the restorative approach, providing role-play opportunities, and emphasizing the use of consistent language. Some staff members initially had resistance due to personal beliefs about punishment, but the school persisted. The approach aimed to give structure and a shared script for restorative conversations, focusing on questions like 'What happened?' and creating a safe and calm environment. It was necessary to address staff calls for help in dealing with behavior issues and update the behavior policy to align with the restorative approach.
Continuous Improvement
The implementation of the restorative approach resulted in positive changes in the school, with students recognizing that staff members were listening and giving them a chance to express their views. The approach also addressed the misconception that it could be used to escape class. The school focused on having conversations rather than raising voices and aimed to create a calm atmosphere. However, the journey towards implementing the restorative approach was a continuous process requiring ongoing adjustments and improvements. It involved revisiting and refining the approach and regularly ensuring that everyone in the school community was on the same page.
Restorative conversations can be a highly effective way of improving behaviour in school, but many school leaders find it difficult moving staff away from a rewards and punishments based approach towards a restorative one. So how do you get that transition right?
In this Essentials episode, head teacher Janine Dodds shares her journey implementing restorative practice her school successfully. She explains what made restorative work for her staff and students, the challenges she faced introducing it - and how she overcame those challenges.
Important links:
Click here for the full interview from episode 22.