Session 2: Restorative Practices

Session 2

We had a 90 minute session that was attended 30 colleagues including 2 governors.

What we covered today:

Restorative Practices

1. We worked in circles. We had a check in and check out circle and then split the main session into smaller circle of 4 people. In addition, the session demonstrated how a meeting could move quickly from one layout to another. We also saw how lots of different techniques can be shared and discussed in circles.

2. Affective questions. We revisited affirmative questions and tried them out using some role play and a scenario. We then developed this further by using an impromptu conference and more formal conference to compare when each of the different techniques could be used. We also examined the restorative practices continuum. We discussed how restorative practices can be both proactive and reactive- we did not pass judgement on each but understood it was how these where implemented that was important.

3. We introduced the idea of a fishbowl or solution focused circle. This allowed us to examine how restorative practices can allow us to focus on solutions to problems rather than just focusing on problems.

Restorative Practice Theory

We again  examined some restorative practice theory to support the more practical aspects of the session. During the session we looked at:

1. Fair Process
2. The Restorative Conference
3. The use of formal and informal practices.

The next steps:

We will be using the steps used by San Francisco School District to establish restorative practice groups to lead and plan the introduction of restorative practices across our school. The paperwork will be with colleagues on 20/2/17 with nomination closing by the end of that week.

The First Training Session 4th January 2017

The First Training Session 4th January 2017

INSET on the first day of term and we had our first restorative practice training session was attended by 35 colleagues from IMPACT PRU. This staff body included the majority of colleagues from both our Oakfield KS3 Campus as well as our KS4 Daleacre Campus.

What we covered:

1. Introduction to the concepts and principles of restorative practice.
2. Experiencing a couple of the main practices- the circle and RP questions (the restorative conference)
3. Learn some of the RP Theory- social discipline window, the compass of shame, the nine affects
4. Review check ins and check outs

We spent 2 hours on the session and at the end there was a very positive response from colleagues.

What colleagues thought (top 4)

1. Restorative Practices could lead to improved communication 
2. Policy needs to be reviewed
3. When harm has occurred we need to create better ways of repairing relationships afterwards
4. It would be useful to train some colleagues as "mediators"

Positive reaction from colleagues

96% of colleagues had an extremely high interest in seeing whole school implementation of restorative practices at IMPACT. ( based on 26 responses to end of session reflection)

The Restorative Journey

The Restorative Journey

Background

IMPACT is a pupil referral unit serving the community of Sefton- this is an area from Bootle upto and including Southport. Sefton is a diverse council area with areas of extreme poverty to the north and south of the geographical area as seen here.

I started work here in September. I have enjoyed the change because previously I had worked in a mainstream secondary school as Assistant Headteacher. As part of this, I had been involved in a national pilot for Restorative Practices that was based at the Academy of St. Francis of Assisi.

On commencing my employment at IMPACT, I was struck by how restorative colleagues were in the way they communicated with students and the positive relationships that were formed. I was also struck by the opportunity this starting point gave us in building excellent relationships with students.

The Research

As part of our preparation for our journey, I first wanted to see restorative practices in practice in PRU environment. Meadow Park School has been following restorative practices for 5 years and is therefore further ahead in their journey. They spoke with passion on how it had enabled them to support their students, and demonstrated how they use restorative practices to reintegrate learners back into class. I thank them for the time they shared.

The next stop was the International Institute for Restorative Practice. A really useful source of background material on what  restorative practice is, with loads of really useful information to get people working together.

In terms of resources to help with implementation, the San Francisco Unified School District have an excellent site where they outline the way restorative practices are used across their school district. What this is especially useful for, is the way they look at restorative practice being primarily a teaching and learning tool as opposed to one where it is used purely for behavioural purposes. They also have videos and an excellent implementation guide.

Finally, we have been in contact with Restorative Thinking. They are the organisation supporting the national pilot in Liverpool schools and specialise in supporting schools and organisations with their restorative journey. As part of this our Headteacher attended a seminar held in December.

The Plan

As a leadership team we are committed to restorative practice as we believe that it will help us to consolidate our "Good" OFSTED report and allow us to get better.

We will introduce the first elements at a INSET day on the 4th January.

At a second session we will form a working party to develop RP within IMPACT.

Once established we will identify cohorts of students and parents to work with.

We will also work at eventually establishing behaviour and teaching and learning policies that are created with Restorative Practice in mind.