Restorative Conversations Don’t Work for Every Pupil - Here’s How to Fix That

Restorative conversations are everywhere in schools right now. They’re written into behaviour policies, referenced in Ofsted language, and promoted as the gold standard for repairing harm and building accountability. But what happens when those conversations don’t work - especially for pupils with SEND? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets , you’ll learn why: · standard restorative conversations can break down for pupils with communication difficulties, empathy differences, trauma histories or rejection sensitive dysphoria · what restorative practice assumes about children’s skills, why some pupils struggle to access those conversations · how to adapt your approach so it remains inclusive, fair, and effective - without lowering expectations or abandoning accountability If you’ve ever walked away from a “restorative” conversation thinking, ”that didn’t change anything” , this episode will give you the practical strategies you’ve been missing. Important links: Download our FREE behaviour resources for use in school: School leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026) It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.

You can listen to Restorative Conversations Don’t Work for Every Pupil - Here’s How to Fix That online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Restorative Conversations Don’t Work for Every Pupil - Here’s How to Fix That is an episode from School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton by Beacon School Support.

This episode is 23:39 long.

This episode was published on Jan 19, 2026.

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