Our Peer Mentors receive nationally accredited training at the end of Y5 and start of Y6, focussing on identifying when and how children need help and ways in which they can do this.

They are then assigned roles in school and on the different yards across school, putting them in a position to work with children, supporting them socially and emotionally. They become very attuned to spot when bigger problems need to be shared with staff.

The training they received can be viewed below:

The work of our Peer Mentors is integral to school and offers massive benefit for both the other children they support, but also for the mentor themselves in the skills and traits they learn for future lives.

Peer Mentor work begins in Y5 where children write an application to take up the role when they reach Y6. The application has to be backed by an adult at home, giving an indicator of the importance of the role and the commitment required.

Selected pupils then receive training with Mrs Reid, who holds a mentorship qualification. The children work on skills of communication, observation and conflict resolution.

Peer Mentors are then assigned to different yards across school for break times. 

Other pupils are aware to look out for Peer Mentors who can offer support to resolve small problems, a listening ear when a child needs someone to talk to or simply a friendly face of someone feels lonely.

A very important part of a Peer Mentor's training helps them know when they should offer support to a child or when they need to report the problem to an adult.

We were delighted in 2022 that our Peer Mentors received a Sunderland Young Achievers award in recognition of their work.