Pupils become Peacemakers in conflict resolution project

During the training, the Year 5 and 6 pupils from Ballifield learned to understand conflict as something that can be handled constructively, developing practical skills in communication, listening and empathy.

They also volunteered in school as trained Peer Mediators supporting younger pupils during break and lunchtime by helping them talk through low-level disputes and find positive solutions together.

Representatives from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, along with donor William Beckett OBE, visited Ballifield Primary School to see the impact of the funding first-hand.

William Beckett OBE said:

It was a remarkable experience in witnessing how the attention to children could have such an impact. It was always strict behaviour or punishment in my childhood and what I witnessed now made me think of how this generation is in an advanced approach to developing children behaviour, confidence and achievement without threat.

I am privileged to have been invited to the occasion and how educating children today is an amazing advance on society, not just on schools.

 

South Yorkshire's Community Foundation is the region's largest grant giving charity awarding an estimated £1.7 million to hundreds of voluntary and community organisations across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield every year.

Michelle Dickinson, Head of Philanthropy and Programmes at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said:

It was a pleasure to visit Ballifield and meet the young peer mediators. This project shows how relatively small grants can have a powerful impact, not just on individual children, but on the culture of an entire school community.

 

CRESST works with schools across Sheffield to help young people develop the skills to handle conflict positively, build resilience and strengthen relationships. By training pupils as peer mediators, the organisation supports calmer school environments where children feel listened to and empowered.

Rob Unwin, Programme Director at CRESST, said:

We’re incredibly grateful to South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and to William Beckett for making this work possible. The Young Peacemakers Project gives children skills for life and creates lasting change in schools, and we’re delighted to see the impact at Ballifield.

 

The project prioritises working with schools serving marginalised communities.

Across all venues, it will directly impact more than 700 young people and provide training and information sessions for staff teams, parents and governors.

Daniel Cassidy, Year 3 Teacher, PE / Healthy Schools Coordinator and Personal Development Lead at Ballifield Primary School, said:

At Ballifield, the project forms part of a whole-school approach. Alongside pupil sessions, our staff and lunchtime supervisors also receive training, ensuring consistent support for positive behaviour and conflict resolution across the school day.

The sessions were engaging, practical and really empowering for our pupils. We’ve already seen a positive difference in how children manage conflict, and we’re very thankful to SYCF and William Beckett for supporting this opportunity for this project.