Restorative Practices

At Courtenay Gardens Primary School we believe in restorative practices as a whole school wellbeing teaching and learning approach to encourage behaviour that is respectful and supportive. It puts the responsibility onto individuals to be accountable for their behaviour and to repair any harm caused to others as a result of their actions. 

 

Restorative Chat

At CGPS we define a restorative chat as: 

 

A conversation that allows all participants to share their thoughts and feelings to repair harm caused.  

 

What is a restorative chat? 

At Courtenay Gardens Primary school, Restorative chats are used as a whole school approach in supporting students to resolve conflict and restore relationships in a positive way. The conversation is held between student(s) and a staff member, that details the feelings of each member involved, uncovers the details of the conflict and encourages developing a future plan.  

Student participation in these conversations allows the student to identify and consider the impact of the conflict and gives them opportunity to consider what they can do should they encounter a similar situation – teaching them accountability and empathy.  

 

Benefits of restorative chats 

 

CGPS is a restorative practises school which aims to promote:  

  • Separating the child from the behaviour
  • Student self-awareness and accountability
  • Active listening 
  • Positive language and tone by all members of the CGPS community
  • Refraining from Judging or blaming 
  • A fair and transparent process 
  • Ensuring we develop future plans or actions
  • Careful consideration of the consequences that are implemented and ensuring they are fair and representative of the action. 
  • Restoring and repairing damaged relationships. 
  • Empathy and respectful interactions 
  • Viewing inappropriate behaviours as opportunities for learning 
  • Student voice and the ability to work together to solve a problem. 

Ways we support restorative chats within our school 

  • Positive classroom management strategies 
  • Trained peer mediators in the yard 
  • Circle time 
  • One-on-one conversations with the wellbeing team 
  • Clearly defined values and behavioural expectations
  • Established school wide consequences.