Peer Mediation

Peer Mediation

Peer Mediation is a highly successful student-led initiative at Elmwood Junior School that empowers children to resolve minor conflicts independently. Based on established resolution frameworks, peer mediation helps children find their own solutions to playground disagreements in a calm, structured, and friendly environment.

👥 Who are our Peer Mediators?

Our Peer Mediators are chosen from children who have applied for the role and have shown the skills required to be a successful mediator. They are trained to help children find their own solutions to minor conflicts.

They work in pairs on the playground during lunchtime. Peer Mediators are easily identifiable as they wear bright blue hi-vis vests.

⚖️ The Core Principles of Mediation

Following official national standards, our student-led mediation system rests securely upon four primary pillars:

  • Voluntary: Both parties must freely agree to take part in the process.
  • Confidential: Discussions remain private unless a safeguarding concern arises.
  • Impartiality: Mediators do not take sides, assign blame, or judge.
  • Self-Determination: The solutions come directly from the pupils involved.

📈 What has been the impact?

Following extensive training, 16 children who trained as peer mediators completed feedback questionnaires detailing their real-life impact inside our school community:

100% Enjoyed the sessions, felt ready and were eager to become peer mediators.
75% Stated that participating had made a distinct “difference to them as a person.”
88% Reported seeing noticeable positive changes across the school grounds.

💬 Peer Mediator Insights

“Pupils cited being able to ‘help people’ as what was best about being a peer mediator and that they felt more confident about handling conflicts in their own lives.”

“Positive indicators observed included ‘people getting along more’, ‘fewer fights’ and ‘less things taken directly to teachers’ during lunch breaks.”

🔄 The Peer Mediation Process

During disputes, mediators utilize structured communication techniques to guide their peers from a state of conflict to a mutually respected agreement:

1. Hearing Both Sides Each person explains their side of the story without any interruptions from the other party.
2. Identifying Feelings Mediators actively listen and reflect back how each person feels, ensuring clear emotional awareness.
3. Brainstorming Ideas Both parties suggest realistic solutions to the problem, collaborating on positive next steps.
4. Reaching Agreement An agreement is agreed upon and sealed with a handshake, resolving the issue effectively.

⚠️ Escalation and Staff Support

If the problem is too big or cannot be resolved, the Peer Mediators will ask a member of staff on duty to help. This ensures that all children feel safe and supported at all times while learning to develop positive lifelong problem-solving skills.