What is a restorative approach?
Restorative approaches are underpinned by a need for a cohesive community, individual responsibility for our actions and behaviours, and an understanding that our actions impact on others.
Restorative approaches can address conflict, build empathy and strengthen relationships with and between young people. Restorative approaches give children and young people the insight and skills to deal creatively and positively with conflict
The use and effectiveness of anti-bullying strategies in schools, a report by Goldsmiths, University of London, published by the Department for Education (April 2011), found that:
Developing a restorative ethos and culture that supports the development of social and emotional skills and the adult modelling of positive relationships and communication were given the highest rating of effectiveness [in preventing bullying].