Restorative Approaches OMG
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What is Restorative Approaches? How does it work?
Restorative Approaches (RA) are all about building strong, respectful relationships and sorting out problems by talking things through. It helps people take responsibility, understand each other better, and work together to fix things.
Principles
RA is based on:
- Helping, not punishing
- Taking responsibility, not blaming
- Bringing people together, not pushing them away
It's about creating a safe, respectful space where everyone feels included.
Benefits
RA can:
- Cut down on arguments, exclusions, and tricky behaviour
- Help children and young people understand feelings and actions
- Build a kinder, more positive school environment
- Support mental wellbeing and personal growth
What might this look like in practice?
You might see:
- Daily check-ins or morning circles
- Calm chats after a disagreement
- Role play or stories to explore feelings
- Tools like Roots and Fruits or Fix It Boards to help children reflect and repair
What difference do restorative approaches hope to make?
- Everyone feels they belong
- Young people take ownership of their actions
- Relationships are strong and respectful
- Exclusions and conflict are reduced
Who and how can this intervention benefit?
RA is for everyone, but it's especially helpful for:
- Children with social, emotional, or mental health needs
- Those with trauma, neurodiversity, or communication challenges
- School Staff/Professionals and Families - helps improve communication and reduce stress
How can schools/settings support this?
- Make RA part of everyday school life and policies
- Train staff and use both proactive and responsive strategies
- Get the whole school community involved
How can families support this?
- Show empathy and responsibility at home
- Use similar language and approaches
- Join in with school-led restorative activities
How do we explain it to children and young people?
- Use simple language, pictures, and stories
- Try role play or puppets
- Give them time to think and talk things through
- Use tools like IOU cards to help them engage
What information/support do we have in Norfolk?
- Local training (from beginner to advanced)
- Online eLearning modules:
- "Introduction to Being Restorative and its Five Themes" (Modules 1 & 2)
- Followed by a 3-hour workshop
- "An Introduction to Being Restorative and its Five Themes" (Modules 1 & 2)
- Support from Norfolk's Restorative Approaches team:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 01603 679126
Referrals/ contacts
- Speak with your School and Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant
- Contact the SEND and Inclusion Line 0333 313 7165
- Raise the topic at your Team Around the School (TAS) meeting to discuss suitability and next steps
