This webinar, organised by the EFRJ Restorative Schools Working Group, sits at the intersection of restorative practice in schools and the broader restorative justice context. As polarisation in society increasingly shows up in school communities, it can contribute to student disengagement, absenteeism, and behavioural responses rooted in othering and exclusion. This workshop focuses on: Using intentional, focused circles to build connection and belonging. Responding to student needs in the face of polarisation. Identifying and challenging implicit and explicit polarising behaviours. Examining school systems and structures that unintentionally contribute to disconnection. Integrating restorative practices as a core part of school culture, and not as an add-on.
Who is it for?
The webinar is designed for teachers, school leaders, counselors, family workers, school social workers, school psychological services and educators at all levels who are interested in restorative and relational approaches.
Why is it useful?
Polarisation doesn’t just shape public discourse—it shows up in schools as disengagement, absenteeism, and challenging behavior. While absenteeism is only one outcome of polarization, it is one of the clearest signals that students are becoming disconnected from their school community.
Across Europe, chronic absenteeism among 16-year-olds averages 4.6%, with significantly higher rates in some countries, including 6.6% in the UK, 6.5% in Spain, and 16% in Romania. Research consistently links higher levels of absenteeism to increased risk of later involvement in criminal activity; students with repeated unauthorized absences are significantly more likely to experience contact with the justice system.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies, reflective tools, and a clearer understanding of how focused restorative practices can reduce disconnection, improve attendance, and create school environments where all students feel seen, valued, and included.
What will happen?
The session will begin with a brief overview of current patterns in chronic student absenteeism and its connection to later involvement in the criminal justice system. The presenters will then share real-world examples of effective practice drawn from their professional experience.
Participants will then engage in facilitated small-group breakout discussions (in multiple languages) to apply ideas to their own contexts, explore national, cultural, and systemic factors, and learn from others facing similar challenges. The session is highly interactive and centered on shared learning, reflection, and collaboration.
What language will be used?
The main plenary session will be delivered in English. Breakout rooms will be offered in multiple languages, with discussion prompts provided in participants’ chosen languages wherever possible, allowing them to engage directly with others in the same language group.
If you want to sign up for the whole series, please do NOT register on this page, but on the registration page for the entire series.
