Restorative Practices

Restorative Practice at Waiau Pā School

At Waiau Pā School, we believe that strong, respectful relationships are the foundation for a positive learning environment. When challenges arise, we use Restorative Practice to help students understand their actions, take responsibility, and problem-solve to repair harm.

Restorative Practice is about building healthy relationships and supporting students to make better decisions. The focus is on working with our students – not to them or for them. It’s a respectful, values-based approach that encourages growth, reflection, and connection.

What is Restorative Practice?

Restorative practice is a process that helps students:

• Reflect on and take responsibility for what happened.

• Understand how others have been affected.

• Repair harm and restore relationships.

• Learn from the experience and make better choices in the future.

It promotes accountability and empathy while encouraging students to be active problem-solvers and community members.

Restorative Chats – Our Process

When something goes wrong, we support students through a Restorative Chat. This structured conversation helps all parties feel heard and supported, and encourages reflection, responsibility, and repair.

Our process follows four clear steps that we work through with students:

Own It - Tell the Story

• What happened?

• What do you think that felt like for them?

• Which school value are you not showing?
  
  

Fix It - Repair the Harm

• What could you do to solve this problem?

• Let’s check in with ( ……. ) to see if that’s what they need to fix this.
  
  

Learn from It - Reach an Agreement

• If you are in this situation again, what will you do differently?
  
  

Move On - Plan Follow-Up

• I will check in with you   …..

• What will the consequence be if this happens again?
  
  

Why We Use Restorative Practice

Our approach:

• Grows and models our RICH school values of Respect, Inclusion, Care and Honesty

• Builds a culture of empathy, accountability, and care.

• Strengthens relationships between students, staff, and whānau.

• Allows opportunities for problem solving.

• Encourages long-term behaviour change through reflection and support.

• Creates a school environment where every learner feels seen, heard, and respected.

Working Together

We see problems that arise as a learning opportunity and value working in partnership with whānau to support our tamariki as they grow into kind, capable citizens.

If you'd like to know more about Restorative Practice at Waiau Pā School, please feel free to get in touch.