What is Peer Mediation?

Peer Mediation is a process where two trained mediators help two other children, who are engaged in a dispute, to find their way to an agreeable solution. It is different from Buddying or Mentoring schemes but can operate alongside such initiatives in schools. Mediators are trained to recognise bullying, and although they cannot mediate such incidents, they will refer them to the Mediation Lead.

Below is a summary of where the mediation training links with the PSHE curriculum.

CORE THEME 1: Health and Wellbeing PSHE Programme of Study [KS2]:

• H18. About everyday things that affect feelings and the importance of expressing feelings.
• H19. A varied vocabulary to use when talking about feelings; about how to express feelings in different ways.
• H20. Strategies to respond to feelings, including intense or conflicting feelings; how to manage and respond to feelings appropriately and proportionately in different situations.
• H24. Problem-solving strategies for dealing with emotions, challenges and change, including the transition to new schools.

CORE THEME 2: Relationships:

• R13. The importance of seeking support if feeling lonely or excluded.
• R17. That friendships have ups and downs; strategies to resolve disputes and reconcile differences positively and safely.
• R18. To recognise if a friendship (online or offline) is making them feel unsafe or uncomfortable; how to manage this and ask for support if necessary.
• R20. Strategies to respond to hurtful behaviour experienced or witnessed, offline and online (including teasing, name-calling, bullying, trolling, harassment or the deliberate excluding of others); how to report concerns and get support.
• R27. About keeping something confidential or secret, when this should (e.g. a birthday surprise that others will find out about) or should not be agreed to, and when it is right to break a confidence or share a secret.
• R30. That personal behaviour can affect other people; to recognise and model respectful behaviour online.
• R33. To listen and respond respectfully to a wide range of people, including those whose traditions, beliefs and lifestyle are different to their own.

CORE THEME 3: Living in the wider world:

• L30. About some of the skills that will help them in their future careers e.g. teamwork, communication and negotiation.