Resto for learning communities

Towards a culture of encounter through staff mediation training.

RESTO - A mediating and restorative community

Mediation is based on a restorative approach, which is a conflict management process that takes into account relationships, emotions and needs. The restorative approach emphasises a positive process based on encounter, discussion and cooperation, with the aim of increasing understanding between the parties.

The parties are respected as experts in their own conflict and the central idea is to return the past to the parties so that they can play an active role in resolving their case. The aim is to repair the broken relationship so that the situation does not happen again. Mutually agreed behaviour change is supported and compliance with the agreement is monitored.

The VERSO programme aims to build restorative communities where mediation is used as a method of dealing with different levels of everyday conflict at the earliest possible stage.

The VERSO programme trains students as peer mediators and school staff members as adult mediators. In peer mediation, Verso-trained mediation students mediate disputes between younger students. Restorative approach and mediation training (RESTO training), staff members mediate situations that are not suitable for peer mediation.

Adult-led mediation can be between a pupil or a pupil and a member of staff. The staff's informed judgement of the appropriate course of action will guide the handling of the case. In addition to their role as mediators, staff members who have undergone in-depth RESTO training act as mediation experts in their school, together with peer mediators and adults who supervise Verso activities.

Two verso pupils approach a dejected child standing under a tree.

Safeguarding industrial peace

The VERSO programme builds a tiered model of mediation for schools and educational institutions to manage everyday conflicts. The aim is to create an equal and transparent conflict management procedure for all members of the community, so that everyday conflicts can be addressed together with all parties involved at the earliest possible stage.

Mediation does not replace other methods of securing industrial peace, but it is a method that uses the parties' own expertise and involvement, not to find guilty parties or impose sanctions, but to increase understanding through interaction so that the parties themselves can resolve their own conflicts. Information is essential to launch and sustain the process, so that staff, pupils and carers can benefit from mediation. See a diagram opening up the practice of mediation in schools and educational institutions.

A perceived or known conflict can be referred to mediation by any member of the school or college community. An adult mediation facilitator (a Verso facilitator and/or a RESTO-trained person) assesses the situation and refers the parties to either peer mediation or adult-led mediation.

As agreed, the parties to the conflict and usually two trained mediators take part in the mediation. The agreement reached in mediation is written down as the parties wish and a follow-up period is set for the agreement to be reviewed, usually for agreed changes in behaviour. More than 90% of cases referred to mediation result in an agreement that is found to have been kept at follow-up.

If no agreement is reached or kept, the case is referred back to the adult for consideration and from there to the procedure deemed appropriate. Cases that arise in this way will always end up in the appropriate procedure under the guidance of the adult and will not go unaddressed. The staff of the school or day-care centre and the actors trained by VERSO will always assess the appropriate procedure for the conflict identified on a case-by-case basis. School and community porosity model illustrate, on the basis of research, the possibilities and practices of mediation in everyday life.

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RESTO - Mediation and restorative community training

Can you get the group's ideas out? Is everyone in your community being heard? How do you create a common set of safe rules for the group? Do you face difficult interactions in your daily life - are you terrified of conflict? Come and learn restorative thinking and how to mediate challenging situations.

The training is aimed at people working in early childhood education and care, primary schools and educational establishments. We provide training both on-site and at a distance, as required. Contact us to find the best option for you!

Restorative approach training for staff in learning communities

RESTO Mediation and restorative community training 5 days

  • An overview of the starting points for a restorative community
  • A wide range of skills for a genuine encounter with the whole community and each individual
  • Practical tools for building a culture of encounter
  • Readiness to mediate challenging situations in a constructive, inclusive way
  • Applying what you have learned both in conflict situations and as a preventive measure

The training is usually delivered in 2+2+1 day sessions. There will be a break of a few weeks between the sessions, during which you will have the opportunity to try out what you have learned in practice before the next session.

A Verso student meets a downcast girl outside.

What is restorativeness? - Read more here.

Participants in RESTO training courses must commit to full-time attendance. The participation of a community manager is highly recommended. Social and Health Organisations Support Centre STEA supports our activities. The participant or the subscriber pays only the excess. Demand for training is high, so please book your place for training or training for your community well in advance.

Ask about our next course or order a course for your location! For more information, email verso@sovittelu.com or call 040 849 0088 / Eeva Saarinen.

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Listen to ideas on restorative justice also
Waves of mediation- from our podcast:

Episode 3:

RESTO team

Episode 6:

From Kuusamo, it's ringing!

Episode 14:

Maija's doctoral thesis