At Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP), we believe that positive relationships are the foundation of successful schools and thriving communities. The recent success of Islwyn High School and its partner primary schools in Caerphilly shows just how powerful restorative approaches in schools can be for improving attendance, reducing exclusions, and strengthening well-being.
Visit from Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle
The team at WRAP were delighted to welcome Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle visited Islwyn High School to celebrate these achievements.
She said:
“Restorative approaches are helping learners across Wales thrive by strengthening relationships and creating inclusive school cultures. Highlighted during our National Behaviour Summit, this practice is improving attendance, inclusion, and attainment. By embedding whole-school and cluster-wide approaches, we can ensure this positive culture becomes consistent and sustainable across our education system.“
What Are Restorative Approaches?
Restorative approaches help schools build, maintain, and repair relationships. They are rooted in neuroscience and trauma-informed practice, recognising the impact of stress, wellbeing, and equity on learning.
By creating a culture of high expectations and high support, restorative practice enables pupils, teachers, and families to feel heard, respected, and safe. It’s an approach that works across all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences – equipping children and adults alike with lifelong skills for communication and conflict resolution.
Caerphilly Schools Lead the Way
The Caerphilly County Borough Council partnered with WRAP to deliver a bespoke training programme across the Islwyn High School cluster. The focus was clear: to create a consistent, relationship-based culture that extends from early years through to secondary school.
At Islwyn High School, the impact has been significant:
· Attendance has improved as barriers are better understood and addressed.
· Exclusions have reduced, thanks to constructive ways of resolving issues.
· Wellbeing has grown stronger across staff and pupils alike.
· Conflicts are resolved quickly, with pupils even training as peer mediators to solve low-level issues.
· This shift has built a healthier, more resilient school community where respect, safety, and achievement go hand in hand.
Why Restorative Practice Matters More Than Ever
The impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing, attainment, and community resilience is still being felt. Restorative approaches offer schools a sustainable way forward.
Julia Houlston Clark, Chief Executive of WRAP, explains:
“We know that positive relationships are key to all our future life outcomes. It takes a village to raise a child; we need to build a strong teaching and learning community around them. Restorative approaches offer the high support and high challenge we all need to thrive and feel safe. Every child and adult of any ability can benefit from learning about healthy communication, relationships, and conflict resolution.“
Watch: Restorative Approaches in Action
Case study: Islwyn High School and Caerphilly County Borough Council
Watch the video here: Islwyn School Local Authority Focus Caerphilly County Borough Council
Get Involved
Is your school or organisation ready to:
· Improve attendance and wellbeing
· Reduce exclusions and conflict
· Build stronger relationships across staff, pupils, and families?
Contact WRAP today to learn how we can support you with restorative approaches in education and beyond.