Peer Mediator and Buddying

Peer Mediation allows children to resolve their own minor disagreements in the playground and encourages them to look for alternative ways to enjoy a safe and happy environment in school. 

Granton Primary School boasts 90 peer mediators - known as ‘Buddies’ - across all Year 6 classes. They begin their training in Year 5 in preparation of taking over from the current Year 6. The training is combined with PSHE to reinforce the qualities needed to take on this responsibility. 

Being a peer mediator is beneficial to all the children. As a direct result there are always noticeable changes in some children, particularly those with low self-esteem. They thrive on knowing they can achieve greatly in this area. Their confidence is boosted with the positive outcomes of their input in problem resolution, and this has a positive effect on their own behaviour. 

The use of the skills they acquire throughout training and their dedication to the responsibility of such a prestigious position is always recognised by both adults and children.  They are praised and rewarded both within the school and externally.   

At the beginning of each new academic year in September, the younger children are introduced to the new Buddies. 

Buddies are distributed in all areas of the school and are scheduled for duty on a weekly rotation basis alternating between the three classes. 

The younger children take great interest in the Buddies and aspire to becoming a Buddy themselves one day. 

Below are photographs of the Buddies on duty in the playground. 

Our service has been running for many years and during that time we have won awards and hold titles for The Mayor of London Best Peer Mediator Co-Ordinator in Lambeth and Best Peer Mediator in Lambeth.  We have achieved Princess Diana Awards and were recognised by the John Petchey Foundation where two of our Buddies received rewards for outstanding dedication to their roles.  One of them had used his skills to not only help other children, but to improve his own behaviour.  He said: 

“Being trained as a buddy has made me more sensible and I know how to look after people better. I am getting prepared for what I want to do when I’m older. Being a Buddy has affected my outlook on life. I have learnt how to respect people and not just think about myself.”