What are Restorative Justice Approaches?

Restorative Approaches are inspired by the philosophy and practices of Restorative Justice which aims to repair harm caused to relationships and communities by conflict.

Crucially it is believed that is best achieved by focusing upon the harm caused, rather than assigning blame and dispensing punishment which often fails to address the needs of those most affected.

Our school has adopted Restorative Justice approaches as they align with the ethos of our Catholic faith.  As our school motto says, 'Christ is our Light', and he guides us to work within a spirit of love, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Restorative Justice approaches are:

1. An understanding of how a community works;
2. An understanding of our responsibilities to the communities that we are part of where we:

• 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.  They include:

Communication skills - Listening , Questioning, Answering and a shared language.

Restorative Justice - Check-in
Children begin their day with check-in.  This circle time helps to develop circle skills, taking turns, listening to others and a sense of community.  It allows children the opportunity to express their feelings and emotions using the Zones of Regulation, a system which provides a method for children to think and talk about emotions which are sorted into four colours. Children use check-in at the start of each day to share and express their feelings. This is done by naming the colour of their current emotions and giving a reason if they wish. This enables staff to pre-empt any potential behaviour issues by identifying children who are feeling a certain way. Staff support children in using strategies throughout the day to self-regulate their behaviour so that they can return to a calmer emotional state. Children who are constantly in the low emotion colour zones will be given the opportunity to speak with a member of staff about the reasons for this.  

Restorative Justice is based on four key features:

What can RJ do for a school?

• Creates a happier and safer school
• Mutually respectful relationships
• More effective teaching and learning
• Reduces exclusions
• Raises attendance
• Develops emotional literacy
• Addresses bullying behaviours
• Raises morale by culture of inclusion and belonging

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 

Our RJ Policy and parent/carer leaflet provide more details about this approach.  If you have any queries or comments please speak with your child's class teacher or to Mrs Anna Kerr: Pastoral Support Manager.

Acknowledgements to: www.restorativejustice4schools.co.uk