During September and October 1997 Darlington Monthly Meeting sponsored a short course in conflict resolution in 3 primary (year 6 pupils) and three secondary (year 9 pupils) schools within the Monthly Meeting area. Kathleen Rodham has been involved in this work and writes: The schools involved all had some connection with local Friends and took part by invitation. It was a four week course, run by Diana and John Lampen. providing three session in each school followed by two conferences - one for all the primary children involved and one for all the secondary pupils. The primary schools produced a booklet on managing conflict and the secondary schools produced a set of posters about counteracting bulling (their choice). A "twilight" session was also run for other interested teachers and, at their request, for the Behaviour Support Team.

This project has been professionally evaluated and the evaluators' final report was received at a conference on 3rd June for all who were interested in attending. Unfortunately most of the schools involved had prior enagements and weren't able to be there. The reactions from the schools ranged from one very enthusiastic school keen to continue the programme to another who said they would never attempt it again! Most of the schools had found benefits but also found difficulties, for varying reasons, in fitting it into their curriculum and/or timetable.

We learned that there is little documented research into the benefits of such programmes in schools, but a growing interest, so the evaluation report has been submitted to a government committee considering development in PSE (Personal and Social Education). There was a wide-ranging discussion at the conference which concluded that it would be desirable to repeat the programme focussing on fewer schools, in more depth but omitting the conferences and also developing expertise amongst teachers and possibly volunteers, in conflict management techniques. This was approved at Monthly Meeting in June and we hope to have a more in-depth programme for fewer schools early next year. We are very interested in learning from others in the field and would welcome contacts.