AIBU to ask for DS to be separated from his friend, or should I focus on his own behaviour?

[blowywindyday]

DS is 6 and he's just started P2 in Scotland.

Last year he had a generally good year but towards the end of the year his behaviour started to slip. His particular friend is another boy in his class and frankly they bring out the worst in each other- they bicker and egg each other on to be daft.

We had previously spoken to the class teacher and a more senior teacher and they agreed that separation would be good for them. They said that there were a few children who would be moving classes anyway.

We got to school yesterday and the classes are exactly the same, so DS and his friend are still together. His new teacher asked to speak to me this afternoon with the exact same issues as before.

I am really disappointed in DS and please believe me when I say that! I've warned him I will be speaking to the teacher every hometime and I expect him to keep up his good behaviour. I don't know whether to ask for him to be moved classes or whether that won't really solve the problem.

Any advice would be great.

[Rookiemummy2018]

Move classes if they let you. It is very difficult to control behaviour once in has settled in. It will be awkward but you will thank yourself!

[Tomorrowillbeachicken]

Go and see head and ask for them to be separated.

[BackforGood]

I too would speak to someone senior at the school and remind them that they had discussed separating them last year. Say that you don't condone the behaviour and will do everything you can to support the school, but, if they are like magnets to each other, it would be in everyone's best interest for them to be apart in class - especially if they were mixing the classes anyone, so it's not a case of one child moving. Earlier in term the better though.

[Moominmammacat]

My DS had trouble from a vicious boy throughout primary. Asked secondary to separate them and they did, in every class for seven years.

[prettybird]

If you mentioned that it had been agreed in principle that he should be moved classes and the teacher seemed unaware, then I'd definitely take it up with the head or depute.

I agree that you should also work with your ds on appropriate behaviour and tell the school that you will support them whatever they do to encourage good behaviour.

Do you know the parents of the other boy? Do they have similar concerns and are they likely to be supportive?