Gloucestershire celebrates 10 years of Restorative Practice improving lives and promoting inclusion

The county council marked 10 years of Relational and Restorative Practice at a special event on 18 June, bringing together school leaders, practitioners and national experts to share how the approach has helped strengthen relationships, improve wellbeing and support better outcomes for children and young people.

Over the past decade, Gloucestershire has developed a strong reputation for its work in Relational and Restorative Practice. The council has supported schools across the county to embed the approach, helping create more inclusive environments where communication, mutual respect and understanding are at the centre of school life.

Relational and Restorative Practice focuses on building and repairing relationships by encouraging open conversations and shared responsibility. The local model has been created through collaboration with many partners, including the schools embedding the approach.

The council is actively supporting 38 schools to implement their Relational Schools Model and has supported 90 schools over the last ten years to embed the whole school approach. It has helped resolve conflicts earlier in schools, improve behaviour and attendance, and support staff and pupils to feel more confident, supported and heard.

Over the last 10 years the team has also worked colleagues across council services to support productivity and staff retention by helping with team development, conflict resolution and change management.

The council’s work has also gained recognition beyond the county, sharing its model with other local authorities and being invited to present their work in the UK and internationally. 

At the event, school leaders shared the impact of delivering the approach which ranged from boosting staff wellbeing to fostering calmer, more supportive learning environments.

Cllr Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It’s great to celebrate 10 years of Relational and Restorative Practice in Gloucestershire and recognise the real difference it’s made to children, families and school communities.

“This approach is about building strong, healthy relationships and dealing with challenges in a positive way. We’ve seen how it can improve school culture, support staff wellbeing and help young people feel more listened to, included, and understood.

“We’re proud to be leading the way and sharing our experience with others, but most importantly it’s about the impact here in Gloucestershire and this approach supports our commitment to inclusion and aligns with the wider national focus on creating inclusive education systems where all children can thrive.”