Mark Finnis The Power of Relationships and Working WITH
Restorative Practice is not about replacing traditional behaviour management systems. It is certainly not about being soft or ignoring poor behaviour.
It is about elevating the culture of a school so people are pulled in, not pushed out, fostering a greater sense of community, and encouraging a willingness to act in the right way for the right reasons.
Although its roots are clearly in restorative justice – as a way of repairing the harm done to the community and relationships within it – restorative practice has the bolder ambition of proactively developing the sense of community and seeking to increase the quality of the relationships across the school and, from there, into the wider community. So, how do you change the culture of a school? One classroom at a time. Where do you start? In the one you are in now.
Mark is one of the UK's leading practitioners in restorative practice, helping schools and other related agencies and organisations embrace this powerful approach to their work. He is the author of Independent Thinking on Restorative Practice. |