
Restorative Conversations Don’t Work for Every Pupil - Here’s How to Fix That
About this episode
Restorative conversations are everywhere in schools right now. They’re written into behaviour policies, referenced in Ofsted language, and promoted as the gold standard for repairing harm and building accountability.
But what happens when those conversations don’t work - especially for pupils with SEND?
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why:
· standard restorative conversations can break down for pupils with communication difficulties, empathy differences, trauma histories or rejection sensitive dysphoria
· what restorative practice assumes about children’s skills, why some pupils struggle to access those conversations
· how to adapt your approach so it remains inclusive, fair, and effective - without lowering expectations or abandoning accountability
If you’ve ever walked away from a “restorative” conversation thinking, ”that didn’t change anything”, this episode will give you the practical strategies you’ve been missing.
Important links:
Download our FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources
Secondary school leaders: Join our in-person event in Birmingham
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