Key Principles
Relational Practice places relationships at the heart of school culture.
Focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Aims to repair harm, resolve conflict and support emotional well‑being.
Belonging, connection and consistency underpin the approach.
Supports an inclusive ethos where equity is prioritised over equality.
Core Beliefs & Values
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis
“Strong relationships are the heart of everything the school does.” – Hayden Ginns, Assistant Director for Children, Portsmouth City Council
Relationships positively influence both staff and pupil well‑being.
Staff act as safe adults, offering reliability, predictability and emotional security.
Children benefit most from human, not heroic, role models.
Belonging is created through shared aspirations, connection and a sense of togetherness.
The Connect–Correct–Repair Model
Used by staff to support pupils with self‑regulation:
Connect – establish emotional safety and understanding.
Correct – guide appropriate behaviour.
Repair – restore relationships and address harm.
Restorative Practice Overview
Restorative practice focuses on:
Repairing harm caused by conflict.
Involving all parties in meaningful discussion.
Helping pupils understand the impact of their actions.
Supporting children to develop lifelong conflict‑resolution skills.
Restorative Discussions Involve:
Allowing time for everyone to calm down.
A no‑blame, respectful, consistent approach.
A calm, private space for conversations.
Adult support where needed.
Each person sharing their perspective.
Key Restorative Questions
What happened?
Who did this affect?
How did it make you feel?
What needs to happen now to fix it?
How can we stop this happening again?
Supporting Children to Resolve Their Own Difficulties
Children should be encouraged to take responsibility for resolving conflicts.
Adults model and teach appropriate strategies.
Children are encouraged to express feelings assertively.
RSE/PSHE curriculum reinforces relationship and conflict‑resolution skills.
Suggested Conflict‑Resolution Strategy
Children explain when behaviour is upsetting them.
If the conflict continues, they seek support from an adult.
Purpose & Impact
Builds a culture of safety, consistency and emotional security.
Strengthens school community and sense of belonging.
Helps pupils develop independence, self‑awareness and empathy.
Supports the school’s mission to provide high challenge with high support.
