POPS Paper

Student Wellbeing

Restorative Practices at POPS Building Empathy, Accountability, and Community

At POPS, we use restorative practices to help students learn important life skills such as empathy, respect, and taking responsibility for their actions. Rather than focusing only on punishment when things go wrong, restorative practices encourage children to reflect, repair harm, and strengthen relationships.

What Are Restorative Practices?

Restorative practices are strategies that bring together everyone involved in a conflict: the person who caused harm, the person affected, and sometimes the wider group. Through guided conversations and activities, students share how they feel, listen to others, and work together to find solutions.

What This Looks Like in Primary School

  • Circle Time: Students check in with each other and build positive relationships.
  • Restorative Conversations: Guided discussions where students reflect on questions like:
    • What happened?
    • How did it make you feel?
    • Who was affected?
    • What can we do to make it right?
  • Restorative Actions: Students take responsibility by repairing harm, for example, giving an apology, helping to clean up, or performing a kind act.

Benefits for Students

  • Stronger Relationships: Open and respectful conversations help children build trust with peers and teachers.
  • Better Behaviour: By addressing issues early, students are less likely to repeat negative behaviours.
  • Responsibility & Accountability: Children learn to take ownership of their actions and understand the impact on others.
  • Empathy & Emotional Skills: Students practise listening, reflecting, and expressing themselves, which builds emotional intelligence.
  • Inclusion & Respect: Every child’s voice is heard, creating a safe and supportive school environment.

Looking Ahead

Restorative practices are not about replacing other behaviour strategies but complementing them. With support and guidance, children learn how to resolve conflict, repair relationships, and contribute positively to our school community.

At the heart of restorative practices is a simple but powerful message: we can learn from our mistakes, make amends, and grow stronger together.