Restorative justice in schools

University of Brighton graduate Neil Davie returned as a guest speaker to present a seminar on behaviour management to trainee physical education teachers.

Neil graduated from the University of Brighton in 2007 and is now Deputy Head Teacher of College Central, a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) based in East Sussex. He was able share his experience of using restorative approaches to behaviour management.

The approaches are inspired by the philosophy and practices of restorative justice which aims to repair harm caused to relationships and communities by conflict. It is believed that it is best achieved by focusing upon the harm caused, rather than assigning blame and dispensing punishment which often fails to address the needs of those most affected.

Such approaches are being increasingly used in schools and have been shown to improve behaviour, increase mutual respect, raise attendance, address bullying and raise morale by creating a culture of inclusion and belonging.