How we work (restorative practice)

Restorative practice is a way of working that focuses on building, maintaining and repairing relationships.

It focuses on working with people to resolve conflict, involving everyone and encouraging constructive conversation. It uses language that challenges people, whilst maintaining the relationship - 'it's not what we say, it's how we say it'.

The social discipline window

Restorative practice follows the belief that people will make positive changes when those in authority do things with them, rather than to or for them.

The social discipline window diagram demonstrates that the restorative approach requires a balance of high levels of challenge with high levels of support.
 

When challenge is high but support is low, you are doing things 'to' people.

But, when support is high and challenge is low, you are doing things 'for' them.

Only when challenge and support are both at a high level are you working 'with' people.