The Continuum of Restorative Practices in Schools - by Margaret Thorsborne & Dave Vinegrad (Paperback)

About the Book

An instructional manual on restorative justice in schools from world-leading experts; this 'how to' guide offers guidance on the issues of carrying out restorative practices once they have been implemented in schools. It includes coping with day-to-day problems and offers worksheets for practical daily use.

Book Synopsis

The 'instruction manual' on restorative justice in schools, written by two world-leading experts, this 'how to' guide will guide you through the what, why and how of developing restorative practice.

It outlines the ideas behind restorative practice, like rethinking behaviour change, then provides a toolbox of approaches for responding to everyday incidents in school settings, as well as a detailed account of using the approach in response to bullying. The manual also provides a clear account of the structures and processes needed, including conference preparation and facilitation.

Steeped in years of research and experience of practice, this manual will be invaluable for all school staff looking for restorative solutions to the most serious of incidents through to minor everyday issues.

Review Quotes

A timely and essential handbook on Restorative Practice in schools by an expert team. Underpinned by decades of practice and research, this masterful guide offers a wealth of support to school communities so that they can build, repair and maintain relationships over the long-term for the benefit of all.

--Dr Shelley Davidow, Senior Lecturer in Education, School of Education and Tertiary Access, University of the Sunshine Coast

Marg Thorsborne and David Vinegrad have harvested their experience, skills and learnings into a restorative book of knowledge! Each practice-while unique in real time-is presented with theoretical background and practical tips. Practitioners the world over will glean insight through comparison with their own context and practice.--Nancy Riestenberg, Author, Circle in The Square: Building Community and Repairing Harm in School

Restorative trainers, trainees and practitioners will find this book invaluable. It is very much a manual - thoughtfully guiding the reader through the what, why and how of a range of school-based restorative processes. The scenarios are a great training resource and the case studies illustrate the sometimes messy reality of running restorative processes. A highly recommended and valuable resource.

--Dr. Terence Bevington, Director, Conexus Conflict Consultancy

Still passionate about their work, Marg and Dave write with insight, generosity, compassion and understanding, distilling over 25 years of wisdom and experience into a seamless narrative that is a joy to read. The book is highly practical and is essential reading for both those new to the field and those with more experience.--Dr Belinda Hopkins, Director of Transforming Conflict and author of Just Schools, Just Care and Restorative Theory in Practice

This book is so much more than a 'How To' manual for restorative practices in schools. By offering a continuum of responses it lays out a whole-school approach to the full range of relationship issues supported with excellent advice on decision-making and a powerful chapter on 'What ifs?' It also supports the development of a relationship-based approach to teaching and learning. Gold!

--Maurie Abraham, Principal, Hobsonville Point Secondary School

About the Author

Margaret Thorsborne, a consultant with a background in teaching and counselling, is a pioneer and expert of restorative practice in educational and other workplace settings. She travels and trains around the world.
David Vinegrad is a veteran of working in a diversity of school settings and undertaking a wide range of roles in classroom teaching, student counselling and management. He is the Director of Behaviour Matters, a business dedicated to assisting schools and organisations get the best out of what they do.