Playground Problems

[Zozo1990]

Hi,

My DS is in a tricky class that staff have said has many behavioural problems. There's a certain group of children who always disrupt learning time by singing songs, making strange noises, making faces when the teacher's head is turned, etc. This has been going on for years. They are in Year 6 and it's still the same. There have also been physical fights, which is what concerns me at the moment. My son was approached by a boy saying why did you call me ugly and fat? My DS said he didn't call him anything. The boy then insisted and said "James" told me you called me ugly and fat. My DS again denies that he said that and "James" comes along and says, "Yeah, why did you call him fat and ugly?!" Another boy (they're all mates the "cool gang") comes and joins in and says why are you calling him fat and ugly, "James" told us that you said it.

James is completely making this up. He's clearly instigating a fight. My DS and other children have had problems in previous years with these children. Their behaviour doesn't change.

My DS told the teacher and the teacher said ignore them.

This is my issue, there's been violent fights in the playground and my DS is told to ignore them. What if that boy punched my son as previously has happened to another boy?!

AIBU to go and take this further considering there is this same pattern of behaviour for YEARS! Is this not tantamount to bullying?

Are all Y6 classes like this? There's always a physical fight in this cohort every two weeks or so. It's ridiculous. Disruptions occur in class every other day.

They also make fun of DS for being a "geek" and make fun of him when he cries. They've also pulled a boy's trousers down to show he wasn't wearing any underpants.

I would have pulled my child years ago.

This is a disgrace. Go straight to the head and demand to know what is being done to stop the physical fights and let them know your son feels unsafe going to school.

And to answer your question, no, this is not normal.

I would have removed my child from a shitty class.

alternatively you can ask the teacher to speak to the boy supposedly called fat. Teacher can explain that James is attempting shit stir and to ignore him.

This all sounds horrendous and it is up to the school to sort, not your son. Do you know if other parents/children have complained (particularly the boy who was assaulted by having his trousers pulled down)? The teacher is obviously struggling to maintain control and says "Just ignore him" to limit drama but your son should be, and feel, safe at school. Go to the head teacher.

What's their anti bullying policy? Sounds like a crap school that can't control its kids. I went to a school like that and it was awful.

Either fight your son's corner and speak to the head or move him out.

Think carefully about which senior school you send him to.