Primary SEN concerns

[Thisisme0044]

I work in primary as HLTA, it’s a small school in a close community. In class of 20 (yr 4) we have 2 SEN pupils, one (ASD) with statement but no funding allocated & really needs 1 to 1 at least for core subjects. Second (ADHD) just started process of PIP and going for statutory assessment. But this pupil is so disruptive they have to be taken out of class for a majority of the day. They are verbally and physically aggressive (To staff & pupils - hitting, biting) & extremely loud. Said child also has toilet issues and needs changing (taking 2 members of staff - there’s only 2 of us in class-myself & teacher!!) but also refuses to be changed which causes huge odour /hygiene issues in class. I have huge concerns as I’m not a 1 to 1 but I’m being used as one, i am employed to help the whole class & they’re a very needy class with quite a few action + pupils. But most of my time is spent with either of the 2 SEN children. I feel we are failing both SEN children and the remaining children in the class. Added to the concern, my nephew is in the class & I’m aware of the impact these children are having on his education. I am all for inclusivity but at some point it has to be realised that it doesn’t work! Last year we had assistant Ed Psych visit and he said they’d not seen such a disruptive child in mainstream (even with a 1 to 1). But we’ve been told not much we can do, have to follow procedures which will take up to 18mth to get statement & hopefully funding for 1 to 1 (although we don’t have a empty room she can go in!) parents don’t want them to go to specialist school! I’m not sure I can stick it for that long, it’s mentally very draining, but I don’t know what I can do! I know if parents of the other pupils were to witness what can happen in class there’d be uproar! Any suggestions please? Thank you
P.S I’ve name changed!

Have no other agencies come in to support and give strategies to try? We have similar situation where I work (and previous places) with children with extreme needs just not getting the support through a lack of adults.

The most ridiculous part is that as a HLTA I am often left on my own for an entire day with a class where I am usually the support adult and struggle to support the various needs.

It isn’t fair on 90% of the class, who are equally entitled to help with work or simply emotional support.

Sorry, not a constructive reply but I agree it is mentally draining.

Thank you for your reply. The Assistant Ed Psych did give us strategies but none have worked, which we reported back, and they weren’t overly surprised!!! When they visited they could see how over stretched we were so offered to sit with SEN child & they had a huge wobbly as a result of something the asst Ed Psych did (Which in child’s eyes had ruined their work!!) & they couldn’t deal with behaviour that ensued! So as usual I had to spend rest of afternoon out of class with the child!
Just feel at some point the school have got to be able to say NO - we aren’t trained, can’t deal with requirements of SEN child & it is having a huge impact on all other children!! If not, then wonder where I stand as I’m not employed as a 1 to 1!!

Talk to the HT about your concerns. The thing is the school need to follow certain steps before exclusion or a managed move. They have to actively try and support the child, follow any plans they have in place, make adaptations etc. If the parents are reluctant to consider anything else,you can't force them. Some incidents or safeguarding concerns will be severe enough to warrant permanent exclusion but the school will still be looked at and checked they did everything they could to avoid that happening.

The head might have been forced into this situation.

We had children pushed by the LA where the head said we cannot cope with their needs or that they would be in an already high needs class and be damaging for everyone. The LA didn't give a shit and pushed the move. So then we ended up with those children and tried our best.

Have a chat, suggest you get moved to another class or maybe share this class so you can get a break at times.

I’m a SEN LSA and have DC with ASD and EHCP. Those children are being failed by the LA. A statement (I’m sure you mean EHCP) with no funding is unlawful. I’d urge the parents to seek free legal advice/guidance from your local SENDISSS or IPSEA or SOSSEN.

Thank you, we’ve been told the funding for 1 to 1 for child with Statement (we’re in Wales- but maybe it is call EHCP here too!) is to come out of our ALN budget! To get support for core subjects would use whole of our ALN budget up in a term!!! Then what about all the other ALN children?? It’s ridiculous! And doesn’t resolve our issue with the more disruptive child!!!
Our HT is trying their hardest to get parents onboard & pushing Ed Psych team but it still seems such a lengthy process! Will stick with it but not sure for how long!
Thank you for your replies.