Mediation in today's schools
Part of West Kent Mediation’s work is training years five or six in Peer Mediation. Children work through role plays involving listening skills and body language. Co-operative games are played to help children find solutions to problems. The morning ends with two children role-playing a typical dispute.
Twelve volunteers are then chosen for a day’s training to become mediators. The children look at feelings and how they affect them, practise communication skills, play team games and discuss ‘red flag’ areas. During the afternoon they practise mediation skills using imaginary disputes. Focus is on listening to other’s views, being impartial and finding a ‘win-win’ solution to the conflict.
