Headteachers in the St. John’s Roman Catholic Cluster in Dundee shared a common concern. Self evaluation evidence indicated an increase in peer-to-peer conflict, particularly in the playground.

Senior leaders noticed of a decline in pupils’ social skills and emotional resilience. Some children were reacting to conflict with negative verbal and physical actions.  These behaviours were particularly noticeable at Primary five and six stages.

What the school did

The schools created a cluster plan with a common approach. They created the Peacemakers Project to address these issues. Senior leaders recognised that incidents were often minor. They should not need adult intervention.

Involving children and young people

The Peacemakers Project uses peer support. It gives children the opportunity to act as peer mediators. Mediators take responsibility for supporting younger children in the school. They help their peers to find solutions to conflict. Each ‘Peacemaker’ learns to ease conversations in the playground.

Peacemakers use scripts to help their peers to solve problems together. They find out what happened and the thoughts and feelings behind the behaviour. They also listen to what both need to resolve the situation.

All Primary six children took part in the training. Senior pupils from St John's High School contributed to creating this training. Educational psychologists from Dundee Educational Psychology Service were also involved.  

The aim was to reduce incidences of low-level conflict and minor disagreements. This included incidents that in the past may have escalated to bullying.

This has had a positive effect on all children’s relationships. It has improved wellbeing, engagement in school life, and personal achievement.

Children in Primary five and six had been struggling with self-regulation. They needed support to manage their emotions during break and lunchtimes. They are learning the skills and qualities needed to build positive social relationships. As a result, they are experiencing a more enjoyable and successful time in the playground. They are also supporting younger children to do the same.    

The impact and what changed for children and young people 

The most improvement is the reduction of minor conflict in the playground. Most children can now use common language to help resolve conflict. This has helped them to manage their emotions during times of stress.

Children have a growing awareness of differences in perspectives. They are more confident in talking about how to resolve differences. They are also building their confidence in challenging language which targets others. 

Restorative scripts and conversations are replacing language that may have led to conflict. The use of scripts is often heard in and around the school setting. Staff have noticed children becoming confident in offering helpful, solution-based words and approaches.