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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

need some advice please

20 replies

teameric · 15/09/2010 09:53

Hi never posted on this topic before but thought this would be the right place to post.
I work in a primary school as a Mid day Supervisor, and casual TA (basically covering Teaching Assistants whilst sick or on courses ect).
On monday I was asked to work every morning for the next month in Reception class. I agreed, but was then told it would be with a special needs boy on a one to one. To clarify this child is blind and has various other problems too.
The SN teacher who was meant to be with him in the morning walked out due to a dispute over her hours.
I am very uncomfortable with the idea of being asked to look after this child as I have no experience what so ever of his disabilities and am not even totally aware of all his needs (I do know that he has to wear a nappy). I am meant to be going to work later on this morning to talk to a lady who liasons with the school about his care.
Then the next 3 afternoons I am meant to shadow the TA who looks after him in the afternoon and then they want me to look after him as of Monday. I've been told I will get support but I really don't know if I should take this on with so little training or experience. I feel like I am being thrown in at the deep end and have been put in a position where I feel like I don't want to let them or the child down by saying no. Would really appriciate any advice please.

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FioFio · 15/09/2010 09:56

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Original poster

teameric · 15/09/2010 10:08

Exactly FioFio, I don't think I will be getting any special training except for someone explaining his needs to me and then shadowing the TA (which will only add up to about 4 hours due to other work commitments), until I have to look after him from this Monday coming. They have said that its only for a month, but a month is a long time if you have no idea what you are doing. Also the child doesn't know me at all and I think its unfair on him.

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FioFio · 15/09/2010 10:09

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Original poster

teameric · 15/09/2010 10:15

Yes I know, your right. Just feel so bad for saying no

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FioFio · 15/09/2010 10:20

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silverfrog · 15/09/2010 10:21

I agree with Fio. I would, and I really don't mean any offence by this as you do sound lovely and caring, be horrified I found out this arrangement had been put in place for ky child with complete needs.

It sadly doesn't surprise me that this situation has arisen, or that you are being put in tba position.

Do you have any experience of SN support at all? Or is your experience more general TA?

I would not be comfortable taking on this extra work without proper support and training, and I am sorry you have been put in this position.

silverfrog · 15/09/2010 10:23

Sorry, typing on phone - that should say "my child with complex needs"

Original poster

teameric · 15/09/2010 10:27

Silverfrog I have no experience of SN support, at least not on a one to one, and with a child with such profound needs. My experience is more general TA.
And I agree with you so no offence taken at all.

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silverfrog · 15/09/2010 10:32

I was a TA before I had children. And a tutor. And I would have been stumped if this had been landed on my lap.

And now, since having a child with severe needs, I thank my lucky stars it never happened to me.

Does the child on question have a statement? If so, what is specified in the statement? As it may well stipulate a trained and qualified support worker.

Is there any other way around this for the school? Eg swap you with another TA who does have some SN experience? Both of you would be disrupted for the month, but at least neither you would be completely out.of depth, iyswim.

If you say to the school you ate not happy with the level of support you will be getting, what do you think they will say?

Original poster

teameric · 15/09/2010 10:39

I'm not sure if he has a statement or what it stipulates.
I will ask about swapping with another TA who has SN experience but got the idea they were desperate when they asked me and I obviously wasn't the first person they had asked (which I know sounds awful).
I do have to leave for work soon to speak to this SEN liason lady, and I will tell her my concerns.

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silverfrog · 15/09/2010 10:43

Good luck, teameric.

Don't be pressured into accepting if you don't feel comfortable. And don't get guilted into it either - if you don't do this, then the fact that the boy will not have support is not your fault (just highlighting an argument that might be used to get you to agree!) It is up to the school to find someone able to take on this role. It is their responsibility, not yours.

StarlightMcKenzie · 15/09/2010 10:46

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Original poster

teameric · 15/09/2010 16:14

Hi everyone, well I feel much better about things, apparantly there were some crossed wires and the boy I mentioned is not the boy I will be looking after. My supervisor who originally asked me got mixed up and it is in fact another boy who is visually impaired (he is still classed as blind medically but he can see some things and is quite independant) I will be supporting him in the morning nurture group for the SEN children in the school (about a group of 5 children) and there will be 3 other TA's in there with me. So drama over! .
I met the boy this afternoon, he's 4 and a proper cutie. I'm actually looking forward to it now!. Thanks everyone.

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TheArsenicCupCake · 15/09/2010 16:50

Teameric.. The way that you have come across.. And the way that you have been concerned not only for yourself but about the little boy.. Can I suggest that you grab training and go along the lines of SN support.

You do come across as lovely, caring and very moral and it is exactly what I would want in a TA for my ds.

Original poster

teameric · 15/09/2010 17:17

that means a lot to me thanks so much TheArsenicCupCake

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StarlightMcKenzie · 15/09/2010 17:21

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anonandlikeit · 15/09/2010 17:42

Just wanted to add, as a parent I would much sooner have a TA for my son (like you) who wants to have the training & cares enough to want to go a good job.
I hope you enjoy your time with the little boy.

silverfrog · 15/09/2010 17:54

oh i completely agree - you sound as though you would be a fab SN TA, teameric.

and I am happy you are comfortable with your role, now the crossed-wires have been sorted out.

you must be a real asset to the pupils you support - it is clear you are always wanting to do the best possible job

Original poster

teameric · 18/09/2010 10:17

thank you all you have boosted my confidence in taking on the role.

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Lougle · 18/09/2010 17:08

teameric can I just ask you (without at all wanting to seem patronising) to remember this episode, no matter what you go on to do? Even if you end up doing SN TA work as your full-time post? TAs assuming that they know all about SN, and that they are the most important thing for the child, rather than being willing to learn about the child and the child's needs from those who know them best, are a cause of great stress for families of children with SN.

If you can keep the attitude you have now, and combine it with the knowledge that you will get from working with these children, you'll have a reputation that precedes you for miles

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