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Primary education

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Should I write to the head?

7 replies

Fireplaces · 13/12/2013 18:35

Hi,
My 5 year old son came home today and told me that another boy had hurt him. His 5 year old playdate then explained in more detail (she was there at the time) that she had seen the other boy push my child over and then 'drag him along the ground til he was crying'. She said she reported to a teacher but she does not know whether the boy was told off.
My son only had a cut knee, which another teacher put a plaster on.
The issue is that both the class teacher and her TA are off sick at the moment. They are having supply teachers in AND this was at break time when it could have been any teachers supervising. So I don't have the usual point of contact to chat to.
The bigger issue is that this other boy is hurting children on a regular basis. This is the first time he has hurt my son since being in the same class (September), but I get daily reports that he was 'naughty again today' or that 'pulled someone's hair' or 'pushed someone over'. The little girl who was my son's play date today seemed to be quite eloquent (unlike my son who has general developmental delay and needs support in school).
I'm a bit stuck to know what to do. On one hand, it's only a cut knee. On the other hand, it sounded really rough and intentional, and unprovoked. And to be honest, given how many children x is hurting, I thought it was only a matter of time til he got round to me son. But my son is pretty gentle and has never hit anyone in his life.
I get on well with the headmaster. He is hugely experienced. I am wondering whether I to write to him about this. Part of me is thinking that things have to be written down in order for the teaching staff to take it seriously too. But I don't want to over-react or be precious - what are your views please?

OP posts:
Ifcatshadthumbs · 13/12/2013 18:40

I think a letter would be an over reaction. Also it's not relevant to you what has gone on with other children so I wouldn't bring that up at all. Speak to the teacher directly first.

SapphireMoon · 13/12/2013 18:42

'Could I have a quiet word'... could be your approach to Head if he is easily available.
Or ask at office if you could have a private word with the Head or Deputy.
You have a concern, the usual avenue of communication [teacher] is not there. You need to clarify what happened.
Good luck.

SapphireMoon · 13/12/2013 18:43

Is it a regular supply teacher or different one each day?

BackforGood · 13/12/2013 18:44

If you know and get on with the head, then I'd go and speak to him first. Say that you realise you weren't there and are reporting back 2nd hand from a 5 yr old, but clearly the things she has said have got you concerned, and you thought the school would like to know.

NeedtoCalmDown · 13/12/2013 18:44

I agree a quiet word is the way to go. You could call if it's not possible to do it in person.

mammadiggingdeep · 13/12/2013 19:32

DEfinately speak to the head as the teacher is away. I wouldn't write a letter but ask for a chat instead, with either the head or deputy (it assistant head if you have one).

MillyMollyMama · 13/12/2013 20:59

What did the school record in the accident book? What was said about how this happened to your son when he saw a responsible adult? It is not unreasonable to ask if the other child is causing problems. It is reasonable for the school to take care of your child in the playground although it is impossible to stop all rough 'play'. It is highly likely the school are aware that this child is disruptive and are working with him and his family. Many schools have children like this but you should mention what happened to the Head.

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