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The school uses a formal conflict resolution process for resolving class and whole school issues, whereby teachers and children work together to find ‘win-win' solutions; for example, finding solutions to make playtimes safe for everyone.
Relationship problems between children are seen as an opportunity for the natural learning of ‘win-win' problem solving, and children are encouraged to find their own solutions that meet the needs of both parties. ‘Fight the problem, not each other' is the guiding principle at the New School, and this approach may be extended to formal facilitated sessions between children when the situation so demands.
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Older children learn to facilitate conflict resolution in the playground through peer mediation training. In their role as ‘playground buddies', our mediators help children with their everyday disputes and conflicts. Hence peaceful conflict resolution is truly embodied throughout the school culture.
The Support Group Method (developed by George Robinson and Barbara Maines) has been implemented successfully in our school. Children develop their own ideas on how to support children who maybe in conflict. With the help of adult facilitators, a ‘circle of friends' is created for any child who feels vulnerable. In this way, the school becomes a safe environment for all.
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