Nairn Academy Update (19/11/2005)

An update from Nairn Academy in terms of the use of RP and immediate plans for future development.

Currently we are undertaking peer mediation training for our S1/S2 volunteer mediators – 2 per class (10 per year group).

Additionally we are undertaking buddy training with our S6, to support S1 specifically.

There will be joint training of our S1/2 volunteers and S6 buddies, to identify areas of overlap and support for each other in meeting the aims of RP.

Six members of staff have undertaken the 4-day training programme (2 did 2 days each and shared their notes, views and intentions to change practice).

INSET days in November provide an opportunity for a one hour long ‘Introduction on RP’ to be run by trained staff (3 of the 6 above). This workshop will run 5 times during that day, to raise the awareness of all staff of what RP aims to achieve.

One member of staff has agreed to participate in the Training for Trainers in January.

Additionally, the school is working closely with Northern Constabulary to promote the use of Restorative Cautions, where our young people have committed an offence in the community.

There is a plan to encourage links with our feeder primaries once again this year, by holding a joint day in May/June for P6/7 Peer mediators and our current S1/2 mediators – the aim being to strengthen and build upon the skills that our new S1 bring with them to secondary school and also to embed mediation/RP within the wider school community.

Some departments are including aspects of RP as a means of encouraging young people to reflect on challenging behaviour in class.

An information evening, outlining these plans to parents is planned, but not until the appointment of a permanent head teacher.