Peer Mediation Working Group – Driving Momentum in Education
Peer Mediation Working Group – Driving Momentum in Education
Peer mediation continues to build a stronger presence in schools, and the CMC Peer Mediation Working Group is working to sustain and extend that progress. At its latest session, the group explored how mediation can be embedded in the curriculum, heard from practitioners working directly with young people and educators, and looked ahead to upcoming opportunities to raise the profile of peer mediation nationally.
REPORT BY VICTORIA HARRIS
The CMC Peer Mediation Working Group came together on 7 May to keep driving momentum for Peer Mediation to become a fixture in the education sector.
A highlight of the session was our skills share led by Polly Walker on “Mediation in the Curriculum in Relation to Citizenship.” Polly shared her journey from primary teaching into mediation, demonstrating how restorative approaches can transform engagement, particularly for students at risk of exclusion. Polly’s Year 10 Citizenship work sparked valuable discussion around embedding mediation into schools and aligning it with the Citizenship GCSE curriculum. The key message was clear: connecting mediation with real-world citizenship and leadership brings positive and practical impact for young people and educators alike.
The group also heard about our preparation to attend the National Association of Headteachers Conference in June, and how it presents a fantastic opportunity to promote the work of CMC Peer Mediation Trainers and raise awareness of the recommendations from the CMC Peer Mediation Report, ‘Resolving Conflict in Schools: Peer Mediation as a Foundation for Happier, Healthier Futures’.
We also explored:
• Youth engagement initiatives
• How schools nominated for a National Mediation Award can be supported to attend the Awards evening.
The group is also progressing important work on Standards and Quality Assurance, including refreshed Best Practice Guidelines aimed at creating greater educational inclusivity and sustainability of peer mediation programmes, delivered by CMC-registered providers.
A huge thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to the Working Group. Your collaboration is helping strengthen the future of peer mediation in schools.
If you’d like to get involved or learn more, please contact Jo Bearpark at projects@civilmediation.org.
