Apology + restitution choices (repair without humiliation)
Aim (what it achieves)
Teach accountability with a dignified route back that doesn’t become a public ‘grovel’.
When to use
After disrespectful tone, disruption, or peer harm; when you want repair but don’t want to escalate conflict.
How to use (steps)
Teacher language (examples)
“That disrupted others. You can repair it by: (A) apologise privately, (B) replace the time by…, (C) help set up… Which will you do?”
Top tips (makes it work)
Make options practical; keep them proportionate; don’t force public apologies.
Common pitfalls
Using restitution as punishment; offering unrealistic options; letting it drift with no follow-up.
SEND/PP considerations
Choice supports autonomy (helpful for demand-sensitive SEND Needs). Keep the expectation high and the route back clear.
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
- Restorative practice (general)
- practice-based
Used in
Common Behaviour Issues (Behaviour Hub)
- Repair & Rebuild Attention seeking / clowning / minor disruption
- Repair & Rebuild Peer friction / bickering / low-level conflict
Related strategies
Restorative micro-conversation (3 questions)
Repair harm and restore learning relationships quickly.
Restitution menu (practical repair options)
Make repair concrete so restoration isn’t just ‘say sorry’.
Restorative conference (teacher + student + affected peer)
Repair harm, reduce retaliation, and prevent recurring peer conflict from spilling back into lessons.
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.