worried about son's confidence

[hbee]

What do people think? Son left to sit on own on coach home from school trip when there were at least 4 members of staff on board. He is 6 yrs old and was quite upset. Would have thought someone could've sat next to him. Should I complain?

yes I would mention that he was upset. I'm sure the staff didn't do it intentionally, I'm sure they didn't realize his situation. If you mention it, they'll know for next time and hopefully it won't happen again

Thanks claig. One of the staff acknowledged that he was on his own, saying 'oh, you're on you're own.' I feel like complaining, but don't know if it's the right thng to do- should I speak to this person or to the head?

Also, his own teacher was there and had raised concerns about his confidence at a parents meeting.

I would actually speak to the head about it. It is the head's responsibility to make sure that all of the staff are aware that this is an issue that they should be taking seriously. If you just tell this member of staff, there is a danger that they may ignore it and other staff will not realize that it is an issue.

I wouldn't complain outright to the head as this may be counter-productive and put their back up. Instead I would tell the head that your son was very upset about it, and you are sure that the teachers didn't fully realize it, but maybe the head could have a word with all of the teachers to look out for such situations in future so that the children are not left on their own.

The head should then act on it.

I'm not quite clear. Was he the only child on the bus, or was the whole class there, but he ended up sitting on his own?

If it's just that he ended up sitting on his own because of the way that the pairings happened, then I think you're making a big deal out of a small problem.

In fact, I hardly think it's worth mentioning to the teacher, and definitely not to the headteacher. I think your time would be better spent talking to your son about how to explain to people that he neeeds something or someone.

How often do they go on school trips?

I think this might sound quite harsh, but your reaction does seem a little out of proportion to the problem, to me.

Well maybe the teachers were sitting next to other children who weren't good travellers. No biggie. PLEASE don't complain. Save that for real problems

What would you like the teacher/ head to do about it now?
If there are odd numbers then one child will be on his own. It would have been odd for the teacher to notice it and insist on someone sitting with him when already paired up.
I would just ask the teacher to keep an eye on him before the next trip and ensure he is paired up so it's not repeated. Tell her then, not now, in case she forgets.