Restorative Approaches in Schools across Manchester

I am the director of a small social enterprise which works in the field of education to promote conflict resolution, emotional literacy and restorative approaches to addressing wrongdoing. Restorative approaches are a range of values, skills and practices which focus on addressing harm, changing behaviour and nurturing and repairing relationships.

The emphasis, wherever possible, is on including those who are involved in a situation of harm and/or conflict to put things right rather than on punishing the perpetrators. I was inspired to contact Exceeding Expectations following a discussion with a lead Learning Mentor at a school in the North West who used a restorative conference to deal with an incident of homophobic abuse.

The names in the following case study have been changed although the details are taken directly from the conference notes. Robbie, a Year 9 pupil, was with his friends outside the school when they began to make abusive, homophobic comments about Robbie’s teacher, Miss Simon, to a person Robbie knew to be Miss Simon’s friend. Robbie, Miss Simon, her friend and Robbie’s Learning Mentor agreed to attend a restorative meeting.

During the meeting Miss Simon was able to express how much the incident had upset her and her friend and how intimidating Robbie’s behaviour had been. She expressed her hurt that, as Robbie’s Head of Year, she had done a lot to support him. She told him of the effect the incident had had, not only on her and her friend, but on other friends and family.

Robbie denied making offensive comments but admitted laughing at the homophobic remarks made. He apologised for his behaviour and said that he would stand up for Miss Simons if any other student made any homophobic comments about her.

Miss Simon accepted Robbie’s apology and agreed a clean slate. Following the conference, Robbie gave a 'Sorry' card to Miss Simons who was very pleased with this. Dealing with the incident in a restorative way meant that ‘Robbie’ had to hear the effects of his actions to make amends and the people who had been hurt by ‘Robbie’s’ actions were able to say how they had been affected.

All involved had the chance to have their needs met and were able to move on feeling satisfied that the situation had been dealt with fairly and justly. Working restoratively means resolving matters directly with those who are affected by what has happened rather than for them.

Evidence is showing that a greater focus on resolving conflict through making amends and repairing relationships leads to improved attainment, lower staff turnover and a safer school environment.

Julie Wolstenholme

www.resolutionsfirst.com