Adamsdown Primary School has been awarded Registered Restorative Organisation Status by the Restorative Justice Council (RJC), recognising the school’s commitment to fostering a positive, supportive and respectful environment for all.
The national recognition reflects the school’s strong focus on building positive relationships, supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing and ensuring every child feels safe, valued and ready to learn.
At Adamsdown Primary School, restorative practice is embedded across all aspects of school life. It supports pupils to develop empathy, resolve conflicts in a calm and constructive way, and build the confidence and resilience they need to succeed. The approach also strengthens relationships with families and the wider community, promoting shared values of respect and understanding.
The school pursued the accreditation as part of its ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and providing the best possible environment for its pupils. The rigorous application process enabled staff to reflect on existing practice, identify areas for development and ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to behaviour and relationships across the school.
Emma Thomas, Headteacher at Adamsdown Primary School, said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved Registered Restorative Organisation status; it reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing positive relationships, supporting every child’s wellbeing, and creating a school community where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected.”
As a school serving a diverse and ever-changing community, Adamsdown Primary places particular importance on ensuring its restorative approach is accessible to all. This includes regularly updating training opportunities for parents and carers, helping to build a shared understanding and strengthen partnerships beyond the classroom.
Chair of Governors at the school, Cllr Owen Llewellyn Jones said: “I am incredibly proud of the relationships that lie at the heart of our school community. Every interaction, whether with pupils, staff or families, reflects a deep commitment to inclusion, compassion and belonging. In a richly diverse community, the school excels in understanding each child as an individual, building trust with families and ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard.
“What truly sets Adamsdown apart is the way restorative practice shapes everyday life, fostering empathy, understanding and respect. This approach strengthens not only relationships within the school, but also its wider connections across the community. It is this culture that underpins the school’s success and makes it such a vital, positive presence locally – something the whole community can take pride in.”
Cardiff Council’s Deputy Leader for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Adamsdown Primary School. Their commitment to restorative practice is making a meaningful difference to pupils, families and the wider community. It reflects the values we want to see across all our schools – where wellbeing, inclusion and strong relationships are at the heart of education.”
The award places Adamsdown Primary School among a growing network of organisations across the UK recognised for delivering high-quality restorative practice, reinforcing its position as a nurturing and forward-thinking school.