To complain about cold and unfriendly teaching assistant?

[BigFatLegsInWoolyTIghts]

DD2 has just begun in reception at the school where my DD1 is. It is a lovely school...just gorgeous and everyone is happy with it.

However...there is a teaching assistant there who is so unfriendly as to appear hostile. She's in the reception class and she is one of those people who has a cold expression all the time.

Today I said "Hi...good morning!" to her as I left DD to go into the line up and she looked at me like I was a piece of shit. No exaggeration...she looked directly into my eyes and kept her face still with a cold expression.

It was quite upsetting to then watch my DD go in there...under her care...even partially! She's done this on another occasion but I put it down to maybe she was having a bad morning.

My question is this...should I give her one more chance to pick up her demeanor... keep being friendly....and if she carries on, then complain to the HT? or the teacher?

I just don't feel happy about it.

Saying hello is NOT education !!!

It's just someone shy, distracted or with poor social skills.

Get a grip.

What is the difference between a basic right and a human right?

If there were a problem with a heartless TA in reception, I suspect there would be talk about it at the gorgeous school.

I think it is rude not to return a greeting. However, I also know that perceiving a look as "looking at me like I was a piece of shit" rather than having your mind somewhere else is subjective.

From what you have said, I don't think putting in a complaint at this point would either be effective, nor good for your future relationship with staff.

Lady I'm not sayng that it does...I am saying that people's expectations seem sadly low.

Terrys you put a different slant on it...she may have some stress or something.

I am a TA, I say give her a chance! Pick up/ drop off times are so hectic with 30 kids to match up to the right parents/ check they have got the right jumpers and bookbags etc. I try to say hello and be friendly but sometimes there is so much going on it's hard to speak to everyone. She probably didn't hear you.

Next time why not choose a quiet moment and actually engage her in conversation, eg ask her how your

it would neither be effective...

She may be shy, she may have an unfortunate manner, she may be having a bad day. Or she simply may feel intimidated by parents. I would suspect that 'being smiley in the playground' isn't part of her job description though.

I heard you - there are no 'basic rights' unless you mean human rights.

It's a pointless phrase meaning nothing.

Oops, ask how your DD is doing!

I can't see what's to be gained by complaining. Maybe she just misread your cue. Usually a hello is followed by some info about a dental appointment or a cough or something. Doesn't seem like she's much of a chatter but that's no crime.

No I won't be putting in a complaint but I stand by my feelings that she needs to try to be more pleasant.

OP i'm sorry, but you are BARKING!! Seriously, read this thread back to youreslf - there is a little saying my dad used to say to me, you might want to consider it "When in a hole, STOP DIGGING"

Seriously? You think an expression on a TA's face is indicative of some kind of malaise in the school system.

You are over thinking this.

Is your DD happy?
Does she go into school happily?

The school is there to meet your daughter's needs. Are they doing this?

Good idea coldcup I think I will. I will be friendly of course.

OP, teachers and TA's can do no wrong on MN. They are not like the rest of the population apparently, not a twat among them, they are drawn from a Pool Of Perfection. You'll be jumped on with both feet if you don't toe the MN All Teachers Are Perfect Party Line.

I would wonder what her problem was too and would probably ask her if she was ok the second time she did it. Quite nicely, while looking like this. I don't think for one second you think it's all about you but you are leaving your child with her and a little smile might be reassuring. I tend to do all I can to avoid teacher interaction because I don't want to be one of THOSE whingy, nuisance parents but a passing smile costs nothing.

scarlet you are flippin' mental and probably projecting by the sounds of it -self important? attention seeking?

get a grip...she was probably distracted by her thoughts....and didnt see/hear you greeting her at all...

Laurie... 'it is just someone shy, distracted or with poor social skills'

Wouldn't exactly make me jump with joy to leave my son in the hands of a TA displaying such characteristics.

You've been reading different threads to me today then akaemmafrost!

Manatee no I'm not bloody barking! I'm well mannered! MissAnnersly you know I don't think that a TAs expression is indicative of a malaise in the system!

I do think it's indicative of a rude cow though..

Have you considered home education?

Or er.... living as a hermit ?

Seriously, you are waaaaaaaaay too het up over someone not saying hello.

OP how many times has this happened?

Has she ignored you before?

If someone blanked me I'd assume that they'd been miles away and not heard me. Funnily enough it happens quite often with other teachers first thing in the morning, we are planning for the day ahead as we walk along.

Is your DD happy at school OP?

Perhaps thefallen not been on much today but in general that is what I find.

teachers and TA's can do no wrong on MN

Dear god that is the biggest load of bollocks I've read all day. And I've been reading threads about Gove.