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summer time: a reflection

As teachers and pupils take a well-earned break, perhaps now is a good opportunity to reflect on the role of both mediation and restorative practice in the education sector. Work by Scottish Mediation, Sacro, Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) and other statutory, voluntary and educational bodies have achieved significant progress over the past few years in Scotland.

Richard Hendry, who developed training for both restorative practice and, separately, peer mediation in schools in the 1990s, reflects in this podcast on his work over the decades and also his learning.

When I met with him to record this podcast late last year, one line in particular stood out for me. Near the beginning of this podcast he talks about his appreciation for the “potential for individual growth”. 

Working for Sacro has shown me over the years how the people our services support can grow, can be more than they were before. Yes they face challenges and need support, positive role models and a pathway but they can do it. However when we look at organisations and projects and staff we can fall into the trap of viewing them as static entities. What my experience in the third sector has shown is that both people and organisations can learn, can grow and can move on from past mistakes to future successes. And sometimes the only thing we lack is ambition to make things happen.

So here’s to the long summer of rest for educators and pupils everywhere, and to the fresh learning and insights ahead.

Peer Mediation in Scotland (Part Two) - The Sacro Podcast | Podcast on Spotify