evaluating the impact of implementing restorative approaches in barnet primary schools 2004 - 2010...
DESCRIPTION
Prevention Better than Cure Barnet Youth Offending Service decided to develop provisions to support mainstream schools. The strategy they used was to introduce Restorative Approaches into schools.TRANSCRIPT
Evaluating the impact of implementing Restorative Approaches in
Barnet Primary Schools2004 - 2010
Mari Martin, Barnet Youth Offending Team,Co-ordinator of ‘Restorative Approaches in Schools’&Belinda Hopkins, Director, Transforming Conflict
Excluded young people are more likely to get involved in crime: nearly two thirds of young offenders of school age who are sentenced in court have been excluded from school or truant significantly.
Children excluded from school tend to be those who have exhibited ongoing conduct problems and because of this tend to have poor relationships with teachers and often become viewed as ‘trouble makers’.
These children also tend to receive less encouragement and support and more criticism and disciplinary action.
(Campbell & Ewing, 1990; cited in Webster-Stratton, 1994
Prevention Better than Cure
Barnet Youth Offending Service decided to develop provisions to support mainstream schools.
The strategy they used was to introduce Restorative Approaches into schools.
Aims of the Project
To reduce number of incidents involving bullying, inter-personal conflicts and victimisation in the primary schools selected
To reduce the number of fixed term and permanent exclusions from within the selected primary schools in the Borough of Barnet
To reduce the number of unauthorised absences in targeted schools
To improve staff and pupil perception of how victimisation is handled in schools
To increase staff confidence in dealing with challenging situations
To increase pupil responsibility for their actions and behaviours.
Three members of staff from five primary schools within the Behaviour Improvement Programme were chosen to go on initial training in 2004, provided by Transforming Conflict, in partnership with Barnet YOT.
The Project Now Comprises
17 Primary Schools
7 Secondary Schools
1 Pupil Referral Unit
1 Residential Care Home
Total Number of Staff Trained to Date
2004 – 15 2005 – 16 2006 – 24 2007 – 30 2008 – 29 2009 – 15
TOTAL - 129
For further details of the training provided to Barnet schools please contact:
Mari Martin
Transforming ConflictNational Centre forRestorative Approachesin Youth Settings,Mortimer Hill,MortimerBerksRG7 3PW
Tel/fax 0118 [email protected]