Capturing change: a review of the implementation of Restorative Approaches and its outcomes within a local authority in North East England

Abstract

In 2007-08 Durham County Council successfully secured funding from the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) to support the implementation of Restorative Approaches in two secondary schools over a three year period. The long term overarching aims of the Restorative Approaches project are inextricably linked to positive learning outcomes and achievement delivered through: promoting mutually respectful relationships; building community cohesion; developing resilient and self-regulating learners; promoting positive learning environments; and removing the causal factors leading to non-attendance, conflict and misbehaviour. Having explored a range of approaches, the work of Dr Belinda Hopkins, which offers an educative and skills based approach, was deemed most appropriate in terms of delivering the vision and aims of the project. Following a rigorous evaluation of the implementation of Restorative Approaches in the two project schools, positive changes were found in pupils’ and teachers’ ability to understand and communicate better with one another, in school ethos and behaviour, and in pupils’ attitudes towards teaching and learning resulting in higher levels of participation and engagement.