Mediation & Mentoring in Schools - Good Practice Guidance

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a conflict resolution process, run by a specialist third party known as a mediator. Mediation process focuses on conflict resolution. Conflict in a School setting is a major problem and may lead to an induce act of violence. There are essentially five steps to successful mediation, which are comprised of the introduction, statement of the problem, information gathering, identification of the problem, bargaining and finally settlement.

What are the benefits of Mediation?

Mediation can be used early in a dispute
Mediation opens Communication Channels and allows disagreements to be heard
Mediation can resolve student and student/teacher conflicts

What are the key elements to successful Mediation?

Impartial skilled negotiator
Voluntary (on the part of the clients)
Confidential
Informal and flexible
Decisions based on consensus
Focused on the future to achieve a gained result and resolve conflict

Peer Mediation

What is Peer Mediation?

Peer Mediation is a process where those involved in a disagreement volunteer to discuss the issues and explore how best to take matters forward. It requires them to operate within a whole school ethos, which in itself restorative. Children and young people can be more comfortable talking to someone their own age who understands their concerns and their perspective. Pupils learn to listen to others' points of view and to accept differences.

How does Peer Mediation Work?

In Peer Mediation, the children are trained to act as mediators in a dispute without help from teachers. This empowers children and develops their sense of community and cooperation. The school and classroom become more peaceful, allowing more teaching and learning to take place. Peer Mediation takes place in a structured and safe environment with adult supervision nearby and always requires the participation of two peer mediators. Peer mediators deal with low-level disputes and always refer to school staff when a situation becomes too complex for them to handle.

What are the benefits of Peer Mediation?

Peer mediation can provide a safe structure for children and young people to solve their problems and learn to negotiate.
Peer support can reinforce a positive ethos and sustain pupil motivation, just as peer rejection could turn schools into cold and inhospitable places.
Peer mediation can build a supportive environment and help to sustain the overall wellbeing within a school.
Reduction in the incidence of behavioural problems and bullying

Case Study of Successful Peer Mediation - Primary School

The children are trained in the last term of Year 6 so that they are ready to be mediators when they enter Year 7. The children in Year 6 will act as mediators on a rotational basis. Two different children each day will act as the mediators for Year 4 - 6 in the playground during playtime and lunchtime. If a problem arises which requires mediation, playground supervisors will seek out the mediators to help diffuse the situation. Children involved in a dispute will wait at a 'Peer Mediation Pit-Stop' until the mediators arrive. NB: Mediators will only work with issues that are deemed minor conflicts. A playground supervisor will always be present when this occurs. If a resolution cannot be reached, the issue will then be passed over to the class teacher to deal with. The class teacher will always be informed of the issue, regardless of the outcome.

Peer Mentoring in Secondary School

In order for there to be successful Peer Mentoring within Secondary School, there can be a focus on Transition from Primary to Secondary School. Research undertaken has shown that matching year 10 students with year 7 pupils, using a number of criteria, such as: same gender, attended same feeder School, lived in the same vicinity, having the same interests, allowed for the formation of friendships and positive outcomes for the mentor and the mentee, works really well. Further to this, Peer Mentoring had improved the literacy and communication skills of mentors and mentees, had made mentees less anxious about the transition from Primary to Secondary as well as improved young people's self-esteem and confidence. Formalised Peer Mentoring

Covid-19

Since the Pandemic, there has been concerns about strains on school relationships. Young people had suffered personal losses, parents loss of jobs and a lot of young people have been impacted around this. During Peer mediation, young people learn how to resolve conflict with their peers as part of a system in which they then cascade what they have learned with others around them. Research undertaken

Conclusion

Peer mediation is commonly used in school setting, in particular a developed country. Because it is known as a healthy communication's worth, Peer Mediation is important to empower students, teachers, managers and parents to build a peaceful environment. Through introducing Peer Mediation, it will have an impact on the bigger environment, the community and the whole society.

What if Peer Mediation doesn't work?

If Peer Mediation doesn't work, schools should consider other options which are available on the Prevent Exclusions guidance which have been developed to support schools. If all options for school exclusions have been exhausted, then schools should seek guidance from The Local Authority by emailing exclusionsupport@Hillingdon.gov.uk.

Published by Hillingdon Council - November 2020