The use of restorative practices in schools: Reasons, risks and reflections.

This paper presents emerging findings from qualitative data collection examining the use of restorative practices in Welsh schools (Spring 2022). Discussion explores the roots of restorative practices in Welsh schools and the routes such practices took, from Canada, New Zealand, Australia and North America to Wales and England. Kate will consider some of the arguments, or reasons, supporting their use with children and young people and the risks of such use. Rapid policy transfer, (Muncie, 2001), catapulting restorative practices from justice into schools and other spheres, reinforces the need to better understand their use. Understanding this from the perspectives of children and young people is critical. This paper identifies and illuminates the perspectives and perceptions of children and young people experiencing restorative practices in schools.