Restitution menu (practical repair options)
Aim (what it achieves)
Make repair concrete so restoration isn’t just ‘say sorry’.
When to use
After harm to learning environment (disruption, wasting time, disrespect).
How to use (steps)
Teacher language (examples)
“To put this right, you can… (choose one)”
Top tips (makes it work)
Keep options realistic; match to behaviour; confirm completion.
Common pitfalls
Public ‘performative’ apologies; vague ‘be better’; punitive extras unrelated to harm.
SEND/PP considerations
Useful for students who need structure; avoid shaming; keep private where possible.
Useful for these SEND needs
Relevant SEND Needs
Why this strategy helps
- Restores trust and readiness after incidents.
- Reduces cognitive load and supports completion.
- Supports regulation and relational safety.
Universal SEND-friendly: Yes
SEND-targeted: No
Tags
Sources
Used in
Common Behaviour Issues (Behaviour Hub)
- Repair & Rebuild Peer friction / bickering / low-level conflict
Related strategies
Restorative micro-conversation (3 questions)
Repair harm and restore learning relationships quickly.
Connect then correct (brief repair after correction)
Prevent resentment and ‘teacher hates me’ narratives after a boundary.
Re-entry script (fresh start + first step)
Reintegrate students positively after conflict or sanction.
Relationship banking (planned positive micro-interactions)
Build trust so corrections land without escalation.
Adult repair (when we got it wrong)
Model respect and reduce ongoing conflict after a teacher misstep.
Home–school communication (partnership framing)
Reduce repeat issues by aligning adults and avoiding blame narratives.