Support Needed for a Challenging Child in Class

[jayceedee]

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out to share my concerns about a particular child in my Year 3/4 class. Before the Christmas break, she was generally compliant and was able to get on with her work, although she sometimes struggled with leaving her mum in the mornings. There were a few instances of refusal to work, but nothing too alarming.

However, since returning after the Christmas holidays, her behaviour has changed dramatically. She has become increasingly disruptive, engaging in actions that not only distract her but also unsettle her classmates. For instance, she gets counters and places them on other children’s desks, and even puts empty boxes on their heads. She tends to block other children, refusing to let them pass, and has been physical, hitting and grabbing at her peers.

During lessons, she frequently disrupts by wailing "noooo," making it difficult for the teacher to deliver input. She also swings on the teacher's chair and frequently tears up or squishes her work into shapes like ‘boomerangs,’ which she then throws around the room while shouting “boomerangs.” Getting her back into class after breaks has become a real struggle; it feels like a battle of wills each time.

Weve tried to manage the situation by seating her at her own table, which is positioned near the sink but still facing the board, so she can see the lesson. Despite some attempts to put consequences in place, such as calling SLT and they remove her from class and have her sit in the headteacher's office temporarily, there seems to be little effect. It’s become routine for the SENDCo to take her for games like snap or memory, which, while positive, don't appear to lead to lasting change.

Starting after half term, we’re introducing a token system where she begins with 10 tokens that can be exchanged for golden time. However, I’m not optimistic that this will be effective because she seems to lack regard for the consequences as they currently stand.

Today, I arrived to find my desk (that is situated at the back of the classroom) has been moved by SLT along the wall and her desk has been placed next to mine (in my original spot) now facing the wall. Honestly, I’m feeling overwhelmed and have broken down in tears a few times this week. I feel like I’ve exhausted my strategies, yet nothing seems to work. This situation is consuming my thoughts at night, and I often wake up wondering how I can approach her differently.

I would genuinely appreciate any advice or insights from those who may have faced similar situations or have strategies that could help. Thank you for reading.
lust to add I am the LSA in this class.

Without knowing the individual, and the support / help that she may need, as always in today's world, the behaviour is not being stopped so she carries on doing it.

What can you do, if management allow it? It should be stopped basically with intense intervention from management. Parents called in, the child removed from the classroom, parents told she has to stop and consequences (remember those?). It's just weak leadership.

If a gang of robbers were sat outside any of our houses, you would hope that the police would physically intervene and remove them. The robbers might have ADHD, problems and the rest of it, but they would still be physically stopped, arrested and removed from the front of our houses.

In some of our schools, children are allowed to bring schools to a standstill and they simply are not stopped. If the robbers were not stopped, they would carry on robbing! It's no surprise that this girl continues, as she is not being stopped. She is probably crying out to be "stopped".

I sympathise.

Are there any support services who can come to observe and offer advice? Behaviour support? SEN advisory service.

Is the desk set up an actual workstation with a timetable, token systems etc or just a desk near yours? That’s not a criticism of you you’d expect SENCO advice and support.

I’d be wondering what happened during the Christmas break for such an escalation in her behaviour. Or some children struggle with the festive period ending. Her behaviour could be anxiety driven.

I’d look at STAR analysis setting Trigger Action Result. Sounds like she has learned what she needs to do to get out of a lesson.
I advised gor a boy who behaved beautifully in Art and PE which he loved but teacher reported consistently challenging behaviour in English especially writing. He was always sent out and then sat on a beanbag outside class reading. Great result for him.

I’d be introducing a token system before half term so she has something positive to return to. Ten tokens for golden time doesn’t sound like it will work as you suspect. Reward needs to be quite instant.
You need to identify some instant positive rewards. Try a working for visual
I jam working for at the top, space for the favoured activity either a photo of it or written on laminated board tokens underneath either stars or linked to an interest/ character. So title, favoured activity
( chosen from an approved selection) Velcro for tokens. Start with just 3 or 4. Only earned not removed. Reinforce what they’re for great sitting, love how you did that writing etc. As soon as tokens are earned she gets the activity for 5 or 10 minutes. Use a timer.

For learning reduce expectations for now e.g. pre populate the date and title and make expectations clear e.g. 4 sentences or 5 sums. You could have a busy box on her table with wallets for English and maths with related but fun multisensory activities.

Just a few ideas. She won’t know how to get out of this role she’s created for herself. Obviously so stressful for you too.
You could also look at emotional regulation 5 point scale materials. You can find bespoke visuals online linked to interest.
Do you have regular behaviour management meetings to discuss strategies and is there a plan in place?
Hope things improve soon.

The above poster has some great ideas. I agree that I would be concerned by such a drastic change in behaviour. The very least that needs to happen is parents being brought in to discuss this and a safeguarding file opened on her. Would there be some kind of counselling available she could access? She sounds like a very troubled little girl.
I would also politely ask management to discuss changes with you before they happen.