Sidley pupils help each other to stamp out bullying

Pupils at Sidley Community Primary School are working on a new way of solving minor day-to-day problems and grievances such as arguments and disagreements.

Year 6 pupils have trained as peer mediators and this week they held a special assembly to tell the rest of the school what it's all about.

The role of peer mediators is to help and advise other pupils of what they might do to help themselves and how to find their own solutions.

They work in teams of two on a rota, and other pupils are able to find them on a daily basis in the library during their lunch-hour.

The assembly was attended by High Sheriff of East Sussex, Caroline Mayhew, as well as Richard Caie, Nicola Hawkins and Pauline Riley of the Hastings and Rother Mediation Service.

Caroline Mayhew presented certificates to the 12 newly-trained mediators and told them she had "enormous regard" for the work they were about to start, "bringing respect and care to each other".

Head teacher Julie Reece told the school: "This is a chance to sort out problems you are having and find a solution.

"This is our way of trying to help you to think through your own problems. Our peer mediators will help you to do that, but they will need your help and support."

She added: "As a school we are committed to this because we have seen the value that it has both for the peer mediators but in developing a calm atmosphere for the school generally."

Parents also attended the event including Susan Izzard of Sidley Street whose daughter Megan did the training.

She said: "Megan was very keen on doing it. She really wanted to do this - she believes in it. She thinks it is a good idea for the school and children to sort their problems out amongst themselves, and that's why she wanted to do it."

Nicola Hawkins helped set up the Hastings and Rother Mediation Service 12 years ago. Peer mediation in schools has been operating locally for 18 months, and there is also an inter-generational service for children and parents called Time To Talk.

She commented: "The thing about mediation is it has started to spread locally, nationally, and globally. A lot is being said about mediation at the moment but there is still a problem of funding.

"We are a charity and funding is always difficult to find.

"But you are now getting mediation in all walks of life, between neighbours, families, in schools, in the workplace, in divorce and separation - it has spread."