Restorative Practice in Schools
Week 1 - What Restorative Practice Really Means
Restorative practice is more than simply asking pupils to apologise after something has gone wrong. It is a relational approach that helps pupils understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility and repair harm while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations. In this session, we’ll explore the principles behind restorative practice and consider how they can help build accountability, strengthen relationships and create a more positive school culture.
Week 2 – Restorative Conversations That Work
A restorative conversation is an opportunity to repair relationships, develop understanding and help pupils take responsibility for their actions. When adults use calm, consistent and purposeful language, these conversations can move beyond blame and focus on reflection, empathy and positive next steps. In this session, we'll explore practical strategies for leading restorative conversations that feel authentic, build trust and support lasting behaviour change.
Week 3 – Repairing Relationships After Conflict
Conflict can damage trust and connection, but it can also provide an opportunity for relationships to be rebuilt and strengthened. Repair is not about ignoring what happened; it involves acknowledging harm, understanding different perspectives and finding a constructive way forward. In this session, we’ll explore practical approaches to repairing relationships after conflict, rebuilding trust and helping pupils reconnect positively with adults and peers.
Week 4 -Helping Pupils Take Responsibility
Taking responsibility is about more than admitting what went wrong; it involves understanding the impact of our actions and considering how things can be put right. Pupils often need support to develop the reflection, empathy and problem-solving skills this requires. In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to help pupils take meaningful responsibility for their behaviour without relying on shame or blame, supporting accountability, repair and positive change.
Week 5 – Restoring Classroom Communities
When conflict affects a wider group, repairing individual relationships may not be enough to restore a positive classroom culture. Pupils may need opportunities to rebuild trust, reconnect and re-establish a shared sense of belonging and responsibility. In this session, we’ll explore practical restorative approaches that can help classroom communities move forward after conflict, strengthen relationships and rebuild a safe, respectful environment for learning.
Week 6 – Embedding Restorative Culture
Restorative practice has the greatest impact when it becomes part of everyday school culture rather than something used only after conflict. Shared language, consistent adult responses and a collective commitment to relationships and accountability help restorative approaches become embedded over time. In this final session, we’ll explore how staff can build restorative principles into everyday interactions, routines and behaviour practice, creating a culture where relationships, responsibility and repair remain at the heart of the school community.