Professionals
Setting Up A Service
It is important to involve all staff from the outset. Staff should be given information outlining the requirements for establishing peer mediation. They should have the opportunity to explore how the scheme will affect them. This is especially important for those teachers who will be delivering training.
The whole staff team should be regularly updated on progress of the scheme and reminded how they can refer.
Co-ordination Team
Most schools select one person to oversee the running of the scheme. However, it has proved to be more beneficial to have a team co-ordinating the peer mediation service, who know how the service is run and who can support the mediators. This aids the sustainability of Peer Mediation especially if staff leave or have a change of role in the school. It is helpful if members of this team are not all tutors from the same year group so that when the scheme moves up through the school it can continue to be supported by staff who have knowledge of the process.
Staff Training
It is recommended that staff are
- trained to deliver the workshops,
- to facilitate mediator training
- on how to maintain the service.