Our Peer Mediators

What is Peer Mediation?

Our bespoke Peer Mediator program trains pupils in conflict resolution and offers valuable life skills to help sort out problems during playtimes.

Our children take these roles very seriously. The Peer Mediation program is designed for pupils in Y5 moving into Y6

The aim of the Peer Mediation Programme is to get “Peers” to resolve conflict within the school playground using mediation.

Our trained Peer Mediators work around the school at play and lunchtime to help to sort out disputes and resolve conflict. They aim to ensure that all playtimes are happy times for all. This is an extremely valued and important role within our areas of pupil responsibility.

How do I apply to become a peer mediator?

The selection process for peer mediators is as follows:

Interested pupils will complete an application form to apply for the post.
Members of the Senior Leadership Team will review the application forms and select 10 peer mediators from the applications.
The selected children will then take part in peer mediation training session run by Mrs Franks and Mrs Lee. This training teaches the newly appointed mediators the correct strategies to resolve conflicts.
Peer mediators work in teams of two. Each pair of peer mediators will work one lunchtime a week.

What does the job involve?

Children in the playground, at times, feel they would rather ask a peer mediator to help them resolve their issues in the playground. The mediation process involves two peer mediators sitting in a quiet area with the children involved and finding a resolution. If the mediators feel they are not equipped to deal with the conflict then it is referred to a member of staff. However, our mediators often find that they are able to resolve the situations themselves. Please note that physical altercations are always dealt with by a member of staff.

Mediators are required to keep a record of any conflict resolution that occurs in the playground. There is a book where entries should be logged at the end of every lunch time.

What support is given to a peer mediator?

Due to the nature of this job and the fact that it can sometimes be demanding, support is always on hand. Regular meetings are held to discuss which strategies are successful when resolving conflicts and any areas with which they require some support.

What is Restorative Practice?

While many schools still use traditional punishments, such as keeping children in at break time or sending them to the headteacher, our school uses restorative practices to improve the behaviour choices of our pupils.

“Restorative Practice is a way of dealing with conflict peacefully and fairly. It promotes a safe, caring environment where problems can be resolved successfully. It encourages children to take responsibility for their actions and to think about how their behaviour affects others.”

How does it work?

“When disputes happen at school we use Restorative Words. We ask questions like…

What happened ?
What were you thinking when it happened ?
How were you feeling ?
How has this affected others and how did it make them feel ?
What can you do to make things better ?
How can we make sure this doesn’t happen again ?”

Does it work?

“Yes! Our Children respond very positively when they feel they are being listened to and treated fairly. The children are learning to be better listeners and to think about other people’s feelings. They are also learning to resolve conflicts and disputes themselves.”