Gloucestershire County Council’s Relational and Restorative Practice Team has earned accreditation from the Restorative Justice Council (RJC) for their exceptional training provided to schools. This recognition highlights the team's dedication to delivering top-notch restorative practice training, which has significantly benefited schools, young people, and their families.
Restorative Practice focuses on principles, behaviours, and approaches that foster healthy relationships and a sense of community. It effectively resolves conflicts and repairs harm by working collaboratively to create sustainable change. In schools, this approach offers a structured framework for building positive relationships and communication, leading to fewer disruptions, improved relationships, and a calmer environment.
Currently, the council supports 38 schools in implementing their Relational Schools programme, with 15 more leaders set to join the next cohort. Over the past seven years, they have collaborated with over 75 schools across the county, embedding restorative approaches to create inclusive and nurturing communities. They are also assisting Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, and Portsmouth councils in adopting this approach.
The training has also transformed how council teams address issues. For instance, the Preparing for Adulthood team has revamped its strategy for helping young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) travel independently to school on public transport at age 16. By introducing support earlier, at age 11, they have more time to build relationships and work with young people, their families, and schools to set personalised goals.
The team co-produced an interactive programme with families, increasing the number of young people supported from 27 in 2017 to 187 in 2023, and building trust with parents. Other local authorities are eager to replicate this service.
The RJC praised the county council for its excellent training, noting how it has embedded restorative principles throughout its programmes and adapted its support to various contexts and organisations.
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