THE Education Ministry is reporting an over-50 per cent reduction in suspensions at some of the 11 schools where its Restorative Practices initiative is being implemented.

The initiative, which began in 2023, seeks to address disruptive behaviour in schools by training staff in applying behavioural psychology principles to manage student behaviour.

Manager of the Student Support Services Division, Dr Ayinka Nurse-Carrington said, "Our preliminary local data already indicates a notable decline in suspension rates. This reinforces what international studies have long confirmed, that restorative practices create schools where students feel heard, valued and are accountable for their actions.”