If you’ve ever heard restorative practices described as “just a script” or a “soft option”, you’re not alone.

In many schools, restorative language can feel confusing, incomplete or disconnected from the real work of relationships, culture and wellbeing. When that happens, staff often dismiss it as something that doesn’t “work” or applies only to student behaviour, and miss the deeper potential to transform culture across the whole school community.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristy Elliott - consultant, trainer, international speaker and founder of Restorative Pathways. We unpack what restorative practices really are, why they matter, and how schools can embed them deeply so they genuinely strengthen relationships, wellbeing and connection for both staff and students.

Kristy takes us beyond scripts and restorative questions to explore the importance of mindset, intention and relational skills. We also discuss common misconceptions about Restorative Practices and the systems, rituals, and routines that help schools sustain them long-term.

In this episode, we cover:

• What restorative practices actually are when “done deeply”
• Why restorative practice is a whole-school wellbeing strategy, not just behaviour management
• The framework of knowing, doing and being - and why the mindset behind conversations matters most
• Why restorative conversations are hard - and why that’s actually a good thing
• What it means to embed restorative practice deeply - including dignity, equity and belonging
• Practical ways schools can safeguard consistency and longevity of restorative work

About Kristy:

Kristy Elliott is a consultant, trainer, international speaker, and founder of Restorative Pathways.

Kristy is driven by a deep passion for education, a strong belief in restorative practices, and a commitment to helping schools create relational, thriving cultures. Her work blends evidence-based wellbeing science with practical, deeply human approaches that support staff, students, and leaders to connect, communicate, and flourish.

Kristy partners with school communities to strengthen wellbeing, build social and emotional capability, and transform how they navigate conflict and repair harm. Her mission is to help schools move beyond surface-level strategies and embed restorative practices in ways that truly shift culture and support every member of the community.

Connect with Kristy via:

• Her website: https://restorativepathways.com.au/home
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-elliott-bed-mapp-3901079b/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restorative_pathways/

Connect with me via:

• My website: adriennehornby.com.au
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/
• Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au

Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.

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