Would you go back to this job? Still unsure

[Onanotherdiet38]

It's 1-1 work with a pupil through agency. It's a 'long term role' presumably until the end of July.

I only did one week but assumed to be going back after Easter hols, however I'm really unsure.

The last 2 days we weren't given a break from our 1-1 children all day. They struggle in the canteen which is understandable, but there should be someone to cover our lunch. As a result had to eat alongside the pupils during our 30 minute unpaid break.

No break alone between 8:30-3:30, yes can use the toilet, get a drink etc. But I'm not working through an unpaid break. There needs to be some sort of rota but unsure whether this will actually come to light.

One single toilet (not a disabled one either) to share between 2-3 children and 2/3 staff members which i think is unacceptable. No access to staff toilets.

One of the children threatened to kill me (i know it's just a child talking) has thrown things at me and has slapped another member of staff. I can deal with some behaviour but sadly I don't think I'm strong enough to deal with violence.

For 32.5 hours of work I came out with £302 net which I know is better than a lot of TAs earn. However this includes Holiday pay, so during my 2 weeks off I'm now having to work elsewhere to pay the bills.

It's also 50 minutes-1h commute each way.

I like the children but I dislike the conditions. I also find it incredibly draining being alone all day with just one other TA (sometimes there's another person) and 2/3 children in a mobile area.

I feel like I'm letting down the children and the school if i don't go back. I don't mind the actual work but the above things aren't good enough.
The good thing about agency is that you can just leave whenever you like, but perhaps the agency won't want to work with me.
I wouldn't be looking for another long term role', only day to day. Would you go back or tell them ?

Have you told them about any of your concerns regards pack of breaks/lunch etc? My DM used to do similar work and she did leave one placement with no notice due to horrendous conditions including being physically assaulted by a child.

I haven't told them yet about the breaks but I think even if they changed that, the other conditions would still not make it worthwhile.

Sorry to hear that she experienced that, it's good that she left.

I feel sorry for these children as they need support, I hope they will find someone else asap if i go.

If I tell them tomorrow it gives a week's notice at ldastt

Yes in that case I would tell them now you won't be returning an agency should be more than able to fill the position in a week.

Was there a specific reason why the last two days were different? You need to decide if there was an unusual set of circumstances or if they were just taking the piss.

Threats are par for the course in many provisions, but you should be getting support from the class teacher, or senior TA with that. There must be a class teacher somewhere. You are not alone in a building with the children.

It does sound like you are not suited to a high needs environment - it is very specialist and not for everyone, indeed not for many. I would get out asap. I'm sure you'll find another placement soon - lots of schools just now are desperate for the spare pair of hands type of TA rather than specialist 1:1 support.

Don't go back, tell them tomorrow.

We are in a separate mobile building, the teacher who normally takes them at lunch had meetings I believe but she never informed us or acknowledged we'd not had the 30 minute break.
Just wouldn't surprise me if it became regular.