In July 2022, the Year 5 Peer Mediators were also trained, by the team from The Diana Awards, to take on the role of Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. This has now become a dual role team of pupils between Year 5 and 6.
Since receiving the initial training, the pupils have been given additional training on Anti-Racist Bullying. This included discussion around what racism is, looking at case studies of famous people who have experienced racist bullying and the definition and role of an 'Upstander' (someone who 'stand up' when they see something that isn't right).
The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors also took part in a training session on Anti-Sexual Bullying. The course included:
Learning to understand, recognise and respond sexual bullying by:
Learning about 'consent' also formed a large section of this training session and the Ambassadors are working together to plan ways to share their training with the wider school.
How do I apply to become a Peer Mediator/Anti-Bullying Ambassador?
You can apply to become a Peer Mediator/Anti-Bullying Ambassador in the summer term once you reach Year 5. There is then a selection process:
What does the job involve?
Peer Mediators: The aim of peer mediation is for “Peers” to resolve conflict within the school playground using mediation. Children in the playground, at times, feel they would rather ask a Peer Mediator to help them resolve their issues in the playground. The mediation process involves two peer mediators sitting in a quiet area with the children involved and finding a resolution. If the mediators feel they are not equipped to deal with the conflict then it is referred to a member of staff. However, our mediators often find that they are able to resolve the situations themselves. Please note that physical altercations are always dealt with by a member of staff.
Mediators are required to keep a record of any conflict resolution that occurs in the playground. There is a book where entries should be logged at the end of every lunch time.
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors: An Anti-Bullying Ambassador is someone who has been trained by The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme. Their role is to help educate their peers on bullying behaviour, lead on anti-bullying campaigns, promote a culture which celebrates and tolerates difference and help keep their peers safe both online and offline.
What support is given to a Peer Mediator/Anti-Bullying Ambassador?
Due to the nature of this job and the fact that it can sometimes be demanding, support is always on hand. Twice monthly meetings are held to discuss which strategies are successful when resolving conflicts and any areas with which they require some support. Annette is also available daily in the pod within the playground where she delivers a "Listening Ear" service to Years 4-6 from 12.30pm - 1.30 pm. This is shared with the mediators.
Our mediators say their important role has been extremely beneficial to the children in the playground as well as themselves. The children’s confidence has improved and we think they all do a fantastic job!