Level of Support from SMT

[Mistoffelees]

Apologies in advance for the long post.

I am the class teacher in a reception class of 30 children with 1 TA. This cohort is incredibly challenging with generally low levels of development in PSED and Communication and Language. This would be difficult enough but one child, who has not been diagnosed with having a particular need, is very demanding or our time because of various reasons. Including ruining other children's work, hurting others, inability to share, they can also not manage at carpet times, i.e. distracting other children, making noises to get attention etc. Lunch times are particularly bad and myself and my TA are taking it in turns to support him on the playground alongside our lunchtime supervisor.

I've been to our SENCo many times and all I've had is sympathy, no real offers of support. The ed psych met with us and gave us some tactics to use which have been somewhat helpful but with only 2 members of staff it is so hard to actually put them into practice whilst still supporting the rest of the children. When I ask for extra help I just get told there isn't anyone available, we are very well staffed but apparently the 'floating' TAs are needed for helping older children (who as far as I'm aware don't have the level of behavioural needs this child has) and can't be spared, this was even the answer when this child had been particularly aggressive to others.

Sorry, I needed to get it off my chest and I just want to get some idea if the way my school is 'supporting' me and this child is normal as it's getting me down.

[CheckpointCharlie2]

Can you keep a diary of incidents to show smt, might make it look worse if it's in black and white.
Talk to parents and see if you can get them on board.
There are loads of things I could suggest you in class do but I would need to email you from work tomorrow as I could make you some stuff and post it to see if that could help.
You shouldn't support at lunchtime and see what the lunchtime supervisors say, if they need more support they need to take it up with the head, stop going out, you must both be knackered!
Pm me if you want to chat via email tomorrow.

[Mistoffelees]

Thanks so much Charlie, I've PMed you. Parent's are on-boardish but were a bit wary of the school when they started (previous bad experiences). Not going out at lunch time is just not an option, it was the solution that SMT came up with when the lunchtime supervisor said she couldn't manage. Luckily it's now also shared between another teacher and TA but their patience is wearing thin I think.

[cansu]

Keep a log of incidents. dont complain or seek support informally. put all your requests in email form. Use words like concern for safety or progress of other children. I have found people only take action when things are in writing. It is arse covering generally but may work well here.

[Fayrazzled]

I think you need to keep using the word "safeguarding" repeatedly. And it sounds like it is a safeguarding issue.

[WinnieTheWilt]

Sounds familiar to me. My class is much smaller but massive needs and my TA has just quit! I'd definitely advise on putting your concerns/requests for support into writing, eg emails. I did, and it wasn't welcomed at all, but I am so thankful for a paper trail as my HT is suggesting if another incident happens he will attribute it to my negligence. I am leaving at Christmas.