SEN TA in a new yr 7 class. We have 12 students to two TAs. One of the students has pattern of serious violent behaviour to classmates, one very serious and victim had to be collected by parents. Another student who is constantly chucking chairs around and scaring the other students, causing another student so much anxiety she is now frequently refusing to enter the classroom. Another student has shown a pattern of inappropriate touching of peers so needs to be watched. A couple of other students who find any sort of transition incredibly difficult and need a lot of 1:1 attention. My other TA is lovely but doesn’t have a great amount of energy or initiative. The students struggling will often only respond to me and I have to watch the violent pupil like a hawk and try and de escalate tensions between him and his peers as they arise. He needs an adult within touching distance at all times in case of violence but this is just not possible with the current staff levels. We are not getting our unpaid lunch breaks (claiming for overtime though).
After the particularly violent attack from this student to a peer last week, I sent an email to the head saying that I did not feel comfortable continuing in the class while the other students are not safe, and that it won’t be safe until we have another TA so that one can be assigned to be in close proximity to this violent student at all times. Have seen the head multiple times this week and she hasn’t discussed it with me or replied to my email.
AIBU to take stress related sick leave even though I’m still on probation? I have 3 dc and I can barely function when I get home I’m so knackered.