NEW APPROACH IS URGED TO IMPROVE PUPILS' BEHAVIOUR

Schools in Northern Ireland should consider using restorative
practices in a bid to improve pupils' behaviour, it was claimed today.

Jim McGrath - who heads up Netcare, a Newry-based consultancy
specialising in restorative practices in the education sector - has
been delivering the programme in England and the Republic of Ireland
for seven years.

He claims that the method has reduced pupil assaults and expulsions
and has improved attendance at schools.

The aim is to promote an inclusive approach to problem solving and
build healthy relationships. This ranges from verbal communication
through to structured meetings between the wrongdoer, victim and
significant others.

Mr McGrath said: "A school we worked with in Essex was on special
measures and threatened with closure. Four police officers were
employed by the school to help contain unacceptable behaviour on the
corridors including physical assaults and drug dealing.

"After teachers embraced the restorative approach school crime fell
significantly.

"The school saw assaults and expulsions drop whilst attendance and
admissions rose.

"They are now out of special measures and no longer threatened with closure.

"Northern Ireland is nowhere near that level of violence but I do
feel it is time for the education authorities to consider
implementing restorative practices.

"It is of course vitally important that they only use people fully
qualified in delivering such programmes."

The suspension and expulsion rates in schools in Northern Ireland
have been rising year on year since 2001.

According to Department of Education figures, 5,414 children were
suspended for behaviour deemed to be unacceptable in 2005. Almost
two fifths involved verbal, physical or disruptive behaviour towards
staff members. Over a quarter involved pupil to pupil conflict
including bullying, fighting or serious assault and 30% for
incidents towards the school environment including, theft, vandalism
and persistent infringement of school rules.

To find out more about Netcare Consultancy Restorative Practice
Programmes contact Jim McGrath on 028 30256469 or 07714146044 or
visit www.netcare-ni.com.