Early lessons show how to cut conflict

Noah's Ark Learning Centre staff and children include restorative practice in their everyday learning. Here are Charlotte (left), Stevie, Tiny Tigers head teacher Rochelle Androutsos holding Salvador, Luke, Mighty Monkeys head teacher Belinda Walker, Toby, and centre manager Jackie Hall. Photo/Bevan Conley

Noah's Ark Early Learning Centre in Gonville now includes restorative practice in its everyday learning.

Centre manager Jackie Hall said Whanganui Restorative Practices Trust facilitator Shelly Harkness worked closely with the teachers, and Noah's Ark was the first restorative early learning centre in New Zealand.

"We work from the Warm method: what is happening, who is affected, how can the harm be repaired and how do you move forward?" Mrs Hall explained.

"You can't read the minds of the children and know what led to the conflict."

The Warm method neutralised the situation and directed teachers away from making assumptions, she said.

This also made teachers more accountable when using the method.

Mrs Hall said it was a huge learning curve supporting the 24 staff.

"People are human, they are going to have conflict.

"However, the first approach is to be respectful to the children; how the staff speak to them and how they pick up the young children.

"Restorative practice gives the staff time to pause and think about their actions, with the children and with each other.

"It teaches the children empathy and how it affects the person next to them."

Mrs Hall sees the big picture of a community that has less conflict because of what is being taught in these formative years.

"We are really excited. If you imagine 10-15 years down the track; with children learning restorative practice now we will see a more positive community and fewer people going to prison."

The staff meets regularly with Mrs Harkness who said that with the restorative practice philosophy "people are more happier, more co-operative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things with them, rather than to or for them".

Since starting their restorative journey in December, Tiny Tigers head teacher Rochelle Androutsos had noticed the "emotional climate has been good - this is not only my perspective but I have received great feedback from my team".

"This has made our working environment much healthier and there have been no issues on the floor."