Pupils help their peers

A LLANELLI school is working with the Carmarthenshire Youth Offending and Prevention Service (YOPS) as a way of resolving conflict between pupils.

Coedcae Comprehensive School is using peer mediation to sort out problems amongst pupils – from arguments in the playground to unkind behaviour.

A number of pupils have been trained as peer mediators by YOPS officers receiving the necessary skills and diplomacy needed for the role. They have learned to listen, not to make matters worse, and to help those in conflict to reach a mutual solution using a structured process.

YOPS Restorative Justice Co-ordinator James Perdue said: “With the right guidance and support, properly trained young people are capable of managing conflict and reaching solutions without direct input from adults. The peer mediators will be continually supported by school staff to ensure that all issues are being dealt in an appropriate way.”

The YOPS works with young people across the county with the aim of preventing offending and anti-social behaviour.

The pupils are being helped to develop a range of conflict resolution skills and the adoption of peer mediation is part of a Coedcae Comprehensive School’s move to use a range of restorative approaches.

CAPTION: Pictured are YOPS Restorative Justice Co-ordinator James Perdue with Coedcae School pupils and teachers Jo Antonazzi and Rob Davies.