One of only three schools in the UK to achieve Registered Restorative Organisation status
CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council has congratulated Johnstown Primary School after it received national recognition as a Registered Restorative Organisation from the Restorative Justice Council (RJC).
The achievement places the school among just three schools in the UK currently holding the status.
The award reflects the school’s long-term commitment to embedding restorative practice throughout school life, including behaviour support, inclusion, wellbeing, relationships and engagement with families.
The recognition followed a rigorous assessment process led by the RJC, which reviewed the school’s restorative ethos, policies, staff training and day-to-day work with pupils and parents.
Registration is awarded not only for good practice, but for demonstrating consistency, reflection and a sustained commitment to restorative values.
At Johnstown Primary School, restorative approaches are used to support positive relationships, resolve challenges and strengthen the wider school community. The process also provided an opportunity for staff to reflect on existing work, celebrate successes and identify priorities for future development.
Deputy Headteacher Laura Reynolds said: “Achieving the recognition of becoming a Registered Restorative Organisation is a proud moment for our school community.
“It recognises the dedication of our learners, staff and families in embedding restorative values that promote respect, inclusion and positive relationships across our school.”
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Director of Education and Leisure, Owain Lloyd, praised the achievement.
“We are very proud of Johnstown Primary School for achieving Registered Restorative Organisation Status with the Restorative Justice Council,” he said.
“This national recognition reflects the school’s strong commitment to fostering positive relationships, inclusion and wellbeing, and to embedding restorative practice as a central part of everyday school life.”
He added that the success aligns with the county council’s priorities to support nurturing and inclusive learning environments where children can thrive academically and emotionally.
Chief Executive Officer of the Restorative Justice Council, Jim Simon, said the status represents a major milestone.
“Achieving Registered Restorative Organisation Status is a significant milestone,” he said.
“It demonstrates that restorative practice at Johnstown Primary School is not only well-intentioned, but embedded, reflective and aligned with the standards we expect of high-quality restorative work.”
The school says the recognition supports local and national priorities around inclusion, behaviour, attendance and emotional wellbeing, and it hopes to share its learning with other education settings looking to develop restorative cultures.
A celebration event is now being arranged to mark the achievement, with further details expected to be announced soon.
