2 really naughty boys in DS1's reception class

[scrambledhead]

I'm just trying to get DS2 settled into preschool which is stressful enough as it is. Then, in between his screaming and throwing of toys and sand the manager tried to have a chat - I've known her for 2 years and hadn't seen her since July. She said how sorry she feels for DS1's reception teacher - apparently there are 2 really naughty boys in the class this year. One of them has been expelled from 6 nurseries FFS.

It was hard enough to leave my gorgeous, sensitive, gentle DS1 before I heard this. Now I just feel sick.

He seems to be enjoying school so far but it's only day 5. We did have some cheek at the weekend but I put that down to growing up / new school etc, but if he's learning from the naughtiest boy in town then what do / can I do ....

I have to agree with MadBad. I was once a young teacher who had the top of my finger removed in the ninth month of my career by a 10yr old boy. I worked in an inner city school but moved due to redundancy. I think I was resilient but when I had my own children, you are prepared and able to cope with so much more as you do understand the 'precious child syndrome', how children tick and the tempremants of parents! It's very hadr recruiting a mix of everything, especially when there is a requirement to be so politically correct.

Well, I'm not saying that newly qualified and/or young teachers never have the qualities to work in inner city schools: as we've said before, they'll often have energy and enthusiasm on their side. Nor is it helpful to reduce this to stereotypes of young vs old or experienced vs fresh out of training. But I still do think that the broader perspective that comes with age and experience can be beneficial in equipping teachers to deal with some of the more extreme situations which they might face in the classroom and which might never have been mentioned during training!