Where do I stand

[Inatightsqueeze]

I'm a HLTA who covers PPA across KS2. One of the lessons I cover is swimming. This involves taking the class off site to the local pool.

Next year, if everything is back to normal, the class who will be going has a number of children with additional needs. Within this group is a child who is very volatile and can be very destructive if they go into melt down.
Previously parents have accused staff (myself included) in using unnecessary force in order to keep them safe - each time this has been proved to be unfounded.
I feel very anxious about taking this child swimming as there are other children in the class who need support and the fact all staff involved may be vulnerable.
Where do I stand in having to take this child swimming? I have covered this class for the last 8 year and this is the first time where I've not felt happy in taking a child swimming.
Any advice is welcomed

There should be a risk assessment carried out for the child

They have a current risk assessment, but mentions nothing about taking them off site and with everything going on right now, my concerns about next year are not priority.
I just wondered if I could refuse in any way?

I think I would say I'm uncomfortable with this given the increased risk currently, and knowing what has already happened. Will there be other staff involved you could speak to?

Usually there is a TA who comes with me, but this has changed annually over the last few years so I don't know who it may be next year.
I feel like I may be pestering if I bring it up to my head, especially as they're under so much pressure at the minute

Well there's no chance of swimming at the moment, so maybe park it until it starts to be mentioned?

I agree with PP- just wait until it is confirmed whether there will even be swimming next year.

If there is, this child does need a detailed risk assessment specifically for the swimming. The result of this may be that they don't go, or that they go but a parent needs to attend the pool. A swimming pool is a pretty unsafe environment in which to be in crisis and their safety needs to be carefully planned for.

If the school refuse to properly risk assess, in your shoes I'd discuss with my union.

Thank you. I'll just wait and see what happens.