May 30, 2014: Three Primary Schools in Tallaght West – Scoil Cnoc Mhuire Junior & Senior and Scoil Chaitlín Maude – have been launched as ‘Restorative Schools’.
The Mayor of South Dublin County Council Dermot Looney raised a flag to mark their achievements. In doing so, these are among the first Primary Schools in the country where all teachers have been trained in Restorative Practices.
This means that the teachers have been specifically trained to work with the children to improve their interpersonal skills at dealing with conflict and building better relationships.
The teachers are working formally and informally to equip the children to talk about and solve disputes, rather than running to teachers or parents. It also increases children’s capacity for empathy.
The schools have been working in partnership with the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) since 2011 to train and support their staff.
CDI CEO Marian Quinn highlighted the pioneering spirit of the schools.
“Restorative Practice is about prevention and early intervention work that strengthens relationships and provides people with skills for the constructive resolution of conflict.
“It is fantastic that we are able to work with Primary Schools and bring these skills to young children. This can only bring long term benefits to the children themselves and to their communities”
Since CDI began providing Restorative Practice training in Tallaght West in 2011, approximately 1,000 people in the community have been trained in the approach. Since 2007 more than 5,000 children and families have been targeted for supports and interventions across the full range of CDI led programmes.
CDI is currently coordinating prevention and early intervention programmes in Tallaght West as part of the Government and Atlantic Philanthropies funded Area Based Childhood programme.
Further Information
Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.