Assault at school

[Lovemyjobhonest]

Just checking name change has workes

[Lovemyjobhonest]

So now I know name change worked. I work in a primary school. Small academy trust - not that it should make any difference. I was assaulted by a pupil yesterday. I have a split lip and lots of facial swelling and bruising. I'm a ta and it was during lunch cover. I'm off work for the rest of the week. What would you expect to happen other than a 2 say external exclusion. I have told them I do not feel safe and need assurance that this will not happen again and also that no child should witness an assault again. I don't know what I should be asking them to do. This child has form for being aggressive towards other pupils but I'm struggling to comprehend what actually happened yesterday.

[ourkidmolly]

That's terrible and I think probably worthy of an external exclusion. What does the head say? What were the circumstances? Difficult to advise without the background. You should contact your union if not happy.

[Cottonwoolmouth]

How old are they?

If you were assaulted in the street what would you do? I really don’t see school any different tbh.

[Lovemyjobhonest]

The child was throwing chairs around the playground. I moved other children away, literally said his name in my stern voice and he picked up a wooden ski thing (2 children stand on them and walk along together) and walloped me in the face. It all happened so quickly. No chance for de-escalation, nothing. Literally said his name then I was on my knees in pain. I don't feel safe working near him but unfortunately due to the set up of the school there's nowhere else to be. I don't even know what I want them to do and think I'm still in shock. SLT just sent me home and told me to take it easy for a couple of days

[Lovemyjobhonest]

The child is 8. Any older and I would have called the police

[Nesssie]

Your namechange hasn't worked OP.

That would surely be a permanent exclusion.

[Lovemyjobhonest]

Bloody name change! Reported

[Cottonwoolmouth]

That’s dreadful!

I’d call the police tbh it might be the shock he needs.

[Lovemyjobhonest]

Ah, sorted! Thank you MNHQ!

[Lovemyjobhonest]

I'm just sat at home mulling things over which I know is the worst thing to do but I'll have a return to work interview and I just don't know what to say!

[blackcatclocks]

The child shouldn't be in the school again. If he is capable of doing that to an adult imagine what he could do to other children. I'd expect him to be permanently removed from the school.

[ImNotNigel]

You need to see your GP. Take photos of your injuries too.

What are your schools policies and procedures on staff assault ? If you don’t know, ask for a copy, they should be in the staff handbook.

Get advice from your union.

[Lovemyjobhonest]

Have had various photos taken. I called DH in a state once I got home and he left work and took me straight to a&e when he saw me. Nothing broken thankfully but many tender bones in my face. I feel so sad that other children had to witness it. My child attends another part of the school so thankfully didn't see but heard Chinese whispers all afternoon till he got home. I cannot imagine what children were going home and saying to their parents!!

[Lovemyjobhonest]

Will ask for copies of relevant policies. Our school loves the second chance approach. Normally I would agree but not with something like this.

[InsertFunnyUsername]

I wouldn't work with that child again, even if he is only 8.


I agree with going to the GP and taking photo's of your injuries. I knew someone who went through similar, the child was permanently excluded, but it was after a string of assaults on pupils and teachers.

[Lovemyjobhonest]

2 day exclusion has happened and then he's back next week. I think I want the school to magic up some budget for 1-1. Never going to happen though

[StrongTea]

Bottom line is you should not be assaulted at work. Hope you feel better soon.

[Comenext]

OP You have a duty of care towards the other pupils. Tbh I would contact the police and let them take it from there. You may not know the full facts of this child's background.
Next time it might be an innocent child (or children) who end up in A & E.
How would the School's SLT team handle it then?

[ImNotNigel]

Well done on photos and medical care.

Poor you and your poor child too - imagine all the other kids talking about how X attacked his mum .

I hope you get appropriate action. You ( and other pupils and staff ) deserve to be safe at work and the child obviously needs help and a different educational environment that can meet his needs.

neu.org.uk/advice/violence-and-assaults-against-staff-schools

neu.org.uk/advice/violence-schools#your-legal-rights

Have the police been in touch with you yet? I’m assuming the school will have reported this.

[InsertFunnyUsername]

Sorry i don't know how big the school is or what set up with classes etc but do you work along side him every day during class? You should not have to be put with being assualted.


Sorry i do not have any answers, but i hope you get it sorted.

[Lovemyjobhonest]

Thanks for the links pp. The school is a very large school but split into a few sites. I don't have to work with him in class but do supervise his year for lunch. They're going to have to find someone else willing to supervise lunch. I can't do it anymore.

The incident has been reported on riddor or whatever it is they use these days but school didn't inform the police. Do they need to even if the child is under the age of criminal responsibility? I think I'm going to go and have a long bath and try to forget about everything for the rest of the day then decide what to do once my mind is a bit clearer. Thank you all so much just for replying. It feels really lonely right now and you lot are always just so helpful and lovely

[purpleboy]

I hope you are ok op. What a scary encounter. I wouldn't be working with this child again.
What have the school said they will be doing?
Are you supposed to have a meeting to discuss going forward?
Have you contacted the police?

This is assault, the child is still under the age of prosecution but if you say he has form for this maybe some early intervention might help?

[Dermymc]

I'd definitely contact the police. Them speaking to the child may have an impact.

Does the child have an EHCP? If so the school will find it harder to get rid of him permanently as they have to evidence trying to meet his ongoing needs.

[BlueberrySkies]

I would be speaking to the police . Even if just for advice to begin with.

[Wolfiefan]

Are you in a union? Worth asking for advice?
Sounds awful OP. Hope you heal fast and your own kids are ok.