Elderly helper in DD's class

[PoshCat]

Ok. Maybe I'm being precious and overreacting but for reasons best known to DD2 (aged 5) this woman really freaks her out.
This lady is elderly, knits toys, seems pleasant enough although she did ask me if my DD was "one of those that lashes out".
DD2 was move today to the adjoining year 1 class so this lady could "help out".
DD2 was so upset to be in a different classroom with different children (even though she likes the teacher) that she spent all morning until her TA arrived after lunch crying, whinging and trying to go back to her own classroom.
I have no idea if I need to speak to the staff.
What do you think of this? I feel uneasy about it and feel change is something she needs to develop skills to deal with but accept the teachers were trying to limit her distress.

I don't think she should of been moved tbh , I know my Ds (same age) would not be happy with the change and would think he had done something wrong .
Have you asked your DD what she doesn't like about the helper

She doesn't have the verbal skills to tell me. She does have previous form for taking and extreme and instant dislike to people (including her step grandma) for no apparent reason.

So your DD has additional needs and is distressed by the helper in class, even if she's working with a different group?
Does she have any individual support in the morning?
I'd go in and discuss what could be done to support her. How often is the helper in class? What other activities could your DD be doing, does she have a friendship group?

It doesn't sound right at all! This lady isn't offering such a marvelous service that none of the other DC should miss out is she...it's just general helping....why is her desire to help, more important that your DDs need to be in her own class! I would be pretty mad about this in your shoes...and also at the comment! Are you going in to discuss this?

Jitney, you'd probably be surprised at what a difference one consistent and involved helper can make in a classroom, particularly Y1 when the transition from YR is still ongoing.
Or how much trouble could be stirred up amongst unsympathetic parents if they see their children as being denied that extra support.
I do agree that the OP needs to go in and talk about what the options are, and that her DD should not be removed from a classroom that she feels secure in. There must be compromises and adjustments possible.