"Promoting Flourishing Communities: Norfolk's Restorative Pathway for Reducing Exclusions and Improving Attendance"

Norfolk County Council, Children's Services believes that working restoratively should be the golden thread that runs through any work with children, young people and families to enable them to FLOURISH

As schools continue to manage issues of student behaviour, discipline, and exclusions, integrating restorative approaches supports a pathway towards fostering a safer, more equitable, and more nurturing educational experience for all.

By working restoratively, we can:

• Improve relationships and wellbeing amongst pupils and staff
• Reduce exclusions and persistent absenteeism
• Equip staff to manage difficult situations
• Encourage and support pupils to take responsibility for their actions
• Improve communication skills & emotional literacy

The adoption of restorative approaches in schools, for exclusions, offers a range of benefits that go beyond traditional disciplinary measures. By prioritizing positive relationships, addressing root causes of behaviour, such as trauma or social-emotional needs, restorative practices help create a more inclusive and supportive school environment where all students can thrive.

Who we are:

Children's Services, Restorative Approaches Team works across Norfolk to encourage and support the use of restorative practice across services to children, young people and the families and communities in which they live and within Norfolk schools.

What's it all about:

Restorative approaches provide a clear overarching mindset and strategic framework where building, maintaining, and repairing relationships are central.  This way of working is all about working with people, as opposed to doing things to or for them.   

Our offer:

If you or a member of your team would find it helpful to talk, then we would be happy to have a conversation. This may be to offer advice and support of where your use of restorative approaches may help or discuss bespoke training packages depending on your needs. This offer is free of charge although we may have to make a charge for our formal training which is non-profit making. Please do contact us, we would welcome a discussion to find out how we can support you.

Please contact RestorativeApproaches@norfolk.gov.uk  01603 679126