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Restorative Practice and Special Needs: A Practical Guide to Working Restoratively with Young People

$55.45  Paperback
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Nick Burnett, Margaret Thorsborne Australian author

  • Restorative Practice and Special Needs

176 pages
2015
ISBN: 9781849055437

Restorative Practice (RP) is an effective approach to discipline that has the potential to transform behaviour by focusing on building and restoring relationships. This practical guide explains how to implement restorative approaches with young people with special needs in educational or residential settings.

Restorative Practice (RP) is being used increasingly in different settings, but using RP with those who have Special Needs requires a different approach. The book explores how RP is being used in general terms and through a number of case studies looks at how RP needs to be adapted for those with additional needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability and communication difficulties. It includes guidance on particular issues such as staff facing crises, the issue of physical restraint and additional support parents require.

The book will be of interest to restorative practitioners, educational professionals including headteachers, teachers and SENCOs in both special education and mainstream schools and residential care leaders and staff.

Table of Contents

  1. What is Restorative Practice?
  2. Development of Social and Emotional Competence (Developmental).
  3. Specific Additional Needs and the Issues.
  4. Emotions, Shame, and Distress.
  5. Supporting Staff Facing Regular Crises.
  6. Implementation: Managing and Leading Change.
  7. Working with Parents of those with Additional Needs.
  8. Supporting all those Post-Restraint and Witnesses.

Appendices.

References.

"When students with special needs get in trouble in school, they are often punished for behavior they can barely control. In this highly readable, incisive book from two pioneers of Restorative Justice, Burnett and Thorsborne craft a tailored response that offers these students both accountability and much-needed support."
- David R. Karp, PhD, Professor of Sociology, Skidmore College, NY

"Every now and again two worlds collide in the happiest of ways. This book is such a phenomenon. By melding theory, research and practice in restorative approaches to addressing special needs, Burnett and Thorsborne have effectively provided a tour de force: a rigorous but compelling read that will make a positive difference in learning outcomes for students and those who engage with them. I especially liked the grounded and sequential approach supported by relevant sources and vignettes. A first rate book in a complex area."
- Michael Arthur-Kelly, Assistant Dean in Special Education, University of Newcastle

"Restorative Practice in education settings has become an important way of addressing a range of social challenges presented by students. This is especially so in Special Needs Education, where it has become acknowledged as an intervention of choice for an increasing number and range of students. This is therefore a timely book. It gives professionals at all levels and others supporting them a necessary insight into this approach, offering practical ways in which restorative approaches can result in better teaching, better learning and more socially inclusive schools."
- Philip Garner, Professor of Education, University of Northampton

"I cannot recommend this book highly enough without resorting to clichés. We have needed this book for many years and it answers so many of the questions I have heard asked, and yet not felt confident or experienced enough in this field myself to answer. It really IS a book every school and local education authority must have, not tucked away on a shelf but open, and well thumbed, on everyone's desk. It really MUST be required reading for every educator, support teacher and psychologist working with young people who have special needs and their caregivers. This book is set to become the 'Bible' in this field. Thank you and well done Marg, Nick and the inspirational folk who contributed their helpful case studies."
- Belinda Hopkins, Founder and Director of Transforming Conflict, the National Centre for Restorative Approaches in Youth Settings