Assault at school

[Lovemyjobhonest]

Just checking name change has workes

The child should have an EHCP. That behaviour shows they have problems meeting the child’s need. Not being proactive in this instance is not safeguarding either the child or you (I’m a SEND TA and parent of autistic children).

I think it’s you who need to contact the police as the victim of the assault - it might benefit the child too in terms of their needs being taken very seriously, and it’s completely out of order for you to be unsafe at work, obviously.

I'm so sorry to read this. How upsetting for you. How things this week?

How are you now op?

At secondary, in our area, they would be an immediate PEX. There is no way a child would return following that to our school. A child assaulted me and it was way less severe (no injury left) and he didn't return after that day.

I think in your position I would make an appointment with the head to discuss. I'd want to see the risk assessment and to know what they are proposing.

Has the child got an ehcp? Have they done anything like this before ?

Just 2 day exclusion doesn't seem enough - what are they putting in place to make sure everyone is safe in the future ?

Hope you recovering well.

For me it would be depending on the child’s history-is this the first time he has kicked off or is it one of a string of incidents? If a string with many things put in place t support him that aren’t working then it should be a permanent exclusion

I work in EMBD, was punched today by a 9 yr old but it’s a different scenario. A child displaying that type of behaviour has particular needs to be met, if you inform the police they won’t look at the assault so much as the child (I used to work for the police) this is what needs to happen but that process should already have started.
There isn’t really much you can do for the child, you’re not set up to be able to do anything. The SLT need to deal with it and also ensure your own needs are met. Be vocal about what you are and are not prepared to do. They have a duty of care to both you and the child.

Make sure the assault is recorded on SIMS.

Tell them that you do not want to work with or supervise the child.

If they don't agree get signed off sick with stress.

I have taught a number of children like that. Some with no EHC plan, some who have one and whose parents want them to go to a special school but there simply aren’t spaces. Even with funding for a partial 1:1, we were losing the TAs on a weekly basis as they were getting hurt. They are paid buttons and I don’t blame them for going.

Yes, schools should meet their needs. No, there isn’t always the money allocated to keep staff or children safe and there simply aren’t sufficient spaces locally in alternative provision.

At 8 police have no power since the age for criminal responsibility is set at 10.

I'm a pc. I'd be submitting a safeguarding form and that's the end of it for police involvement.

We
Have absolutely no jurisdiction under 10.

Inform social services op. He is clearly one to watch. But police are powerless below the age of criminal responsibility.

Has the boy hurt any other children before? If so, what was the outcome? If not, and he then did, same question: what would the outcome be?

@hellenbackagen out of interest, if it was a child over 10 (or say a secondary age child), what would happen if they reported to the police? Would it be treated the same as a non school related incident?

Does the child have an EHCP or a one plan. Could this have been prevented by one to one support? I would expect that if the child didnt have ehcp or diagnosis then they would be permanently excluded, but if they did, then its trickier, but it looks clear they are not keeping him or the other pupils or staff safe, which means not meeting their needs, and id question if they needed to up the ante for a different placement

You did mention you work for a MAT. Have you spoken to HR if it is managed centrally?

The school/MAT has a duty of care to staff, to ensure you work in a safe environment, and I recommend speaking to them, bypass your school if need be, about what measures are in place to protect staff (and children of course). You may want to mention you are seeking union advice.

sauvignon

Depends. We have a dedicated schools officer.

Incident in school=our schools officer

But could be dealt with in many ways

Advice
Restorative justice
Referral to YOT
Youth caution
Youth conditional caution
Report on summons
Arrest

Any of the above . Depending on circumstances.

Sorry everyone, I've been off the radar for a while taking some time out from everything. Will try to answer questions. No the child does not have ehcp. He's often in little scraps with his peers but has never assaulted an adult before! Maybe he just doesn't like me haha. I wasn't happy with the head's response to me querying what was being put in place for this child (for their sake as well as other children and staff) so have raised it with the mat big guns. The child gave me a feeble apology and is now acting like nothing happened.

Staff are dropping like flies at the moment because they all feel like nothing is ever done about anything and we're all getting sick of it. This was the final straw for me and am actively looking for a new job. Had an interview last week and should hear after half term - fingers crossed! It's the same job but a mat that is well thought of in the local area and after speaking to some people who know people, staff seem happy there

Oh, and I'm fine! Thanks to those who asked. Injuries well healed. Just a nice lump in my lip which I've been told will take a few months to be gone and my nose is still tender. Have been very irritable and had rubbish sleep for a couple of weeks now but I'm getting there!

If you have to work in proximity with the child you should ask to go on Team Teach training so you can keep yourself safe.

How many people in your school have Team Teach training? An incident in the playground where a child is agitated to the point of throwing chairs should be attended by de-escalation trained SLT. Do staff on duty and SLT carry walkie talkies?

@hellenbackagen thank you, that is interesting