Did I do the right thing ?

[Itsjess87]

Hi I’m a teaching assistant at a high school / look after a few children I sit with them during lessons 1-1 or a small number in some bottom set lessons.

This evening I was in a supermarket won’t name and I saw one of the boys who’s in my classes most of the time he’s 12 years old I saw him attempt to shop lift he looked really scared and anxious.

I know he’s from a quite poor family he was wearing a plain grey tracksuit and cheap black converse style trainers which looked worn.

I saw him put a computer game under his hoodie and start to walk to the exit I couldn’t let it happen though I had to stop him and I did. When I stopped him I could tell he was scared and upset and said he wants to try and get some money 😔

I calmed him down and I got him to leave with me and my parner thankfully I don’t think anyone noticed what Happend.

He’s a good kid aswell quite shy and always tries his best in the lessons I see him.

Did I do the right thing or should I of let him get caught by security then intervened / helped him ??

Also should I mention this to anyone ?

You need to report it to your designated safeguarding lead at school.

I think you did the right thing in stopping him committing a crime, but this does need to be followed up in a supportive way.

You need to talk to the safeguarding lead first thing in the morning. Write down everything that happened now so you have the details clearly recorded.

Yes report it to your school’s safeguarding lead.

Are you really a teaching assistant?

He’s a really good kid aswell one of the nicest kids I work with

That’s nice but totally irrelevant.

Have you written down what happened tonight?

No not yet

You need to do that now. As much detail as you can with times and locations.

Did you miss the safeguarding training??

Did you report it today op?

I also think you need to report it op, for his sake. I understand why you're reticent to though.

It needs to be reported right now. What if he needed money for food? The poor little mite.

Safeguarding safeguarding safeguarding

You could get into a lot of trouble if you don’t tell and someone finds out. Also, please tell me you don’t support English lessons... 🙈

You did the right thing, now you need to write it all down and speak to the safeguarding leader.
Did you do that today OP?

I'm shocked that you are any sort of teaching assistant because your spelling is atrocious! Sorry

Bobstersmum I can see two spelling mistakes at best. Where are all the others you can see?

@bobstersmum

Nothing wrong with her spelling - have a look at your own punctuation though and while you’re at it; get a life!

Lots of MN'ers change little details about themselves to avoid identification. Piss of with your criticism. Don't ride on the thread if you don't want to help.

OP, the best advice you've been given is to write everything down in detail. If you're able to contact anyone in SLT out of school hours, then do so tonight. If not, Child Protection Officer FIRST THING ON Monday morning.

You do know that TAs are employed to meet a whole range of needs, not just SPAG? She’s posting about a vulnerable child she is worried about and helped in her own time, and you are fussing about her grammar and spelling?
Who has the right priorities here?

You need to report this to a designated person.

Support is going to be given to the boy and his family

Whatever, morally you did the right thing with not much thinking time.
As long as you have reported the issue at school.
I hope this child gets the help he needs now, well done sounds like you handled it in a very caring manner.

That's good op. You're very good to intervene and try to help him.