Peer Mediation at West Didsbury CE Primary School
We are thrilled to share about our Peer Mediation programme here at West Didsbury CE Primary School! Having successfully launched this initiative at the start of the academic year, it has been a truly positive experience for our school community.
What is Peer Mediation?
Peer mediation is essentially conflict resolution for children, by children. A dedicated team of 24 Year 5 and Year 6 pupils have now been fully trained in the very same mediation skills and processes that adults use to find solutions to conflict.
The mediators are available in pairs to help at lunchtime, each committing to one lunchtime a week. This programme beautifully complements the work our school already does to build positive relationships and our strong restorative ethos. We're truly thrilled to see the impact of this journey!
The Impact So Far
Over the past academic year, our peer mediators have made a significant impact on the playground and in classrooms. We've seen:
A reduction in minor arguments escalating.
Children feeling more empowered to resolve their own differences.
Improved communication skills among our pupils.
A greater sense of responsibility and empathy developed by our mediators.
Our peer mediators are trained to be responsible and help their peers find their own solutions. They won’t take sides, they won’t tell other children what to do, and they won’t gossip about other children’s problems. They are learning to be great listeners and facilitators. Our teachers and staff are always on hand to provide ongoing support and help if needed.
Other schools with peer mediation programmes have seen a significant positive impact on both the playground and in the classroom, and we're delighted to confirm the same here at West Didsbury CE Primary.
Becoming a Peer Mediator
We believe this is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to develop leadership and communication skills. To introduce the concept, every child in Year 4 and Year 5 will receive an introductory workshop. This will teach them about conflict resolution and the important role of a mediator, helping them decide if they'd like to put themselves forward for this role next academic year.
If you'd like to learn more about peer mediation, we encourage you to explore the helpful resources below.
