Pubdate: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK) Copyright: 2006 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd. Contact: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/42 Author: Kathryn Torney 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine