On the edge of quitting my job today.

All the very best to you. Sounds like the very best thing to do. Life's too short as they say !

good for you - very best of luck i hope all goes well.

Use your expertise to set up as a one to one private tutor either face to face or online

You needto speak with the person. In charge and ask them why they are ignoring your request.

Sounds like the management team are useless. Good luck.

Don’t resign. Utilise your sick pay first to recover and get your back looked at properly as they may say it’s an industrial injury which could mean that you can retire with ill health and get your pension early. But you need to get proper advice on this.

It's certainly not an employers market in the NHS! To be fair I don't know if education is the same.

I am a supply TA. I get a lot of work and can afford to be a bit picky, in that if I really don't like going somewhere I just decline it and get offered something else instead. If a certain amount of money isn't a major issue, it's less stressful, knowing that you're not committed to a contract and are basically in control. As a supply, they usually do not want you to do the most challenging jobs but I generally feel valued and get to know people still as I am asked back to the same schools a lot.

This 100% rings bells from a special school I worked in years ago, and I’m sorry things have not improved. As others have said definitely do NOT give up your job. Knowing what I know now : 1. Email ( rather than verbal) trail explaining the difficulty/ potential worsening/ serious injury to your health 2. Go home if they put you in there today - they cannot prove you aren’t sick and you as a TA are not responsible for sorting out their staff shortages( even though no doubt you worry about the children) 3. Job hunt - TAs with your expertise are worth gold dust and agencies/ other schools will snap you up ( and yes you can still be part time). 4. If things don’t change get a union or governors involved plus a doctors note and use the ( all schools) free helpline for some legal advice as this treatment is tantamount to constructive dismissal, and they are breaking health and safety laws. Good luck.

Second the OH referral. They have a duty of care to both you and the children. Ask for a risk assessment (see HSE website for more information). This is possibly an occupational injury which entitles you to more support. Don’t just leave.

Could you do private contracts? Not sure it's an option

Please don't throw in the sponge after 20 years. This new team haven't a clue but that is good for your case. If you can - and you can - get professionals to vouch for you about your condition - right up to labelling it 'disability' then I really think you should give it a shot. Just walking away makes them the winners and if they get away with it with you, they'll carry on with someone else. You owe it to yourself to soldier on and I really hope you will???

I wonder have you considered private tutoring as you could I imagine work the hours that suit you. I see one person suggested being a supply TA. I would think supply TA's are much needed due to stress leave. To me it sounds like you need to change schools. I wish you all the best.

I wouldn’t do that job with a GOOD back. Surprised so many people are prepared to do it at all. Sounds like just being a punch bag. How much education are some of these children actually capable of?

Are you in a union? If so reach out to them.
Put a time line together of your issues.
Keep all documentation relating to your issues with the employer and make sure you have it safe as Union will want to see all communication and a timeline of events.

Have you had consultations with your GP re your health issues because it sounds like you have long term conditions that will come under the Equality Act.
If you have not then make an appointment so it is documented with them.

Ask for a referral to OH so you get a report from them on your health issues relevant to your job and they will request your manager does a risk assessment and from that put reasonable adjustments in place.
Your employer cannot refuse you a referral to OH.

It also seems to me there is a lack of safe systems of working.

If you are in a Union seek advice immediately from them.

Go sick and contact your union. Your health and mental wellbeing are more important. They need to do assessment. You have the stronger hand, they will not won't you to leave as they will lose an experienced staff member. Also I just want to say having worked in a special school for a year, I am awe of you all and the work you do. Honestly, I have the utmost respect it's one of the hardest jobs I have ever done.

Right my wonderful SEN warriors are we members of a union? Because Unison was researching its SEN staff members on their feeling and experiences around safety. Are there any Unison members on here?

Talk to your trade union and to HR in the local authority or academy chain or whatever the managing organisation is.

Op you need to re send email but cc OH, team lead, supervisor, and manager, add this episode too,
They have a duty of care op to you,
Risk assessment,
OH meeting,

I am a retired TA, for nhs, we had all above and one followed the other, can only stress you need a paper trail with all above cc in,
And if needs be get signed off sick until someone starts acting on your behalf,

Remember, duty of care , to you op,

@Sonolanona do you have a risk assessment? I work in SEN school and many staff have risk assessments for many reasons and cannot work in certain classes due to their risk assessments. If you don’t is this something your employer offers

I thought reasonable adjustments had to be made at work for ppl with physical problems

You should have a risk assessment in place if you have a medical condition that can be worsened by the physical contact. Are you a member of a union? I wouldn't blame you at all for walking out because the management sounds very poor.

A friend had the same problem. She left, went as a supply assistant. Seems to feel more valued by the agency who employ her.