Any teachers/TAs about?

[SmallWhiteBall]

DD is 6 and in year 1. This evening she told me that the class TA "pushes us and hurts us". After a bit of probing it turns out that she grabs and pulls/pushes the children's shoulders while getting them to stand in line (which they have to do before break and lunch) and that this hurts.

I don't believe that this TA is abusive, and I completely appreciate that some physical contact will be inevitable. But my daughter has told me that she is being hurt and I need to do something about it.

My question is: if I raise this with the school will it be possible for them to simply have a word with the TA about being more gentle? Or would that be against their safeguarding rules? And would you raise this with the class teacher or go to the head/deputy head? (Head/deputy would actually be easier as one of them is usually at the gate during drop off so I could ask to have a quick word).

Thanks for any advice

Go to the head/deputy/safeguarding lead (probably one of these people anyway). If someone came to me as class teacher and reported this I’d be duty bound to report it to a safeguarding lead anyway, not handle it myself, so cut out the middle man.

Say what you’ve said here, that you don’t think it’s malicious or deliberately abusive, but it does need to stop!

Teacher here - the first response nails it.

Thanks both. I just hope it can be dealt with proportionately and not blow up (or be allowed to continue!)

You do need to address this. Sounds like the TA is trying to get everyone organised but this should not be done by pushing or pulling children into line.
It is so easy to leave finger mark bruises on children by doing this.
A verbal instruction should be all that is needed. Some children might need an individual instruction or processing time but shouldn’t be moved around.
Ask to speak to the head.
Retired teacher.

Thanks @24Dogcuddler I spoke to the Deputy Head and she said to leave it with her, so hopefully it will be nipped in the bud.