What are Restorative Approaches?

As an integral part of its overall ethos, MAEPS adopts ‘restorative approaches’ when conflict occurs between members of its community.

Restorative Practice focuses on the following

 “A voluntary approach focusing on the harm done rather than the rule broken that involves all parties in an incident, giving them an equal voice, the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, make amends and reduce offending.”

MAEPS has adopted restorative approaches to complement and enrich its existing Relationship policy. MAEPS believes such practice can help make the school community are fairer, more harmonious and safer place to be.

Restorative approaches adopted by MAEPS include:

• reflection on issues that may become a source of conflict.

• ‘restorative conversations’, to de-escalate conflict between members of the school community.

• rewards to encourage and recognise the efforts of students who make progress in their social and emotional skills.

The key principles of restorative approaches are:

• all members of the school community are treated as equal

• Taking responsibility for one’s own actions

• listening skills development

• skills in expressing our views and feelings in an appropriate, timely manner

• acknowledging the different perspectives, experiences and feelings of others

• time for reflection

• wrongdoer help to find a way of making amends and a greater awareness of what caused their actions rather than focusing on blame and punishment

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Restorative approaches require the voluntary participation of those involved. They are not a ‘soft option’ and often require the young person to hear hard truths and break longstanding habits.

Restorative approaches are also used successfully in companies, the justice system and religious organisations.

For more information, the following links are recommended:

• Restorative Justice Council  - Website LINK HERE

• National Centre for Restorative Approaches in Youth Settings – Website HERE