New child coming into Yr 2 in September, have been asked to consider being his SSA. Child has a shunt in his brain, a catheter which needs changing twice a day, no bowel control so changing/personal care needed, visual impairment, no feeling below the knee so have to be vigilant regarding knocks/burns/bruises etc, calipers need to be strapped on in certain way, 15 mins physio has to be given every day, skin easily damaged & takes a long time to heal, may have or develop allergy to latex, need to constantly look out for signs of infection regarding shunt or urine infection, he also has learning difficulties, speech problems and behavioural difficulties. This seems to me to involve a degree of medical knowledge and nursing! The class teacher will be shown how to change the catheter and will then show me (or whoever takes post). This is at normal TA2 grade. Would like to know if anyone else is doing anything similar and, if so, what grade they are paid at for this. (TA1 being photocopying/displays, TA2 being supporting individuals with SEN/groups plus other duties/TA3, as I understand it, normally for personal care, toileting, medical problems etc)

Gosh, I don't know the answer but to be honest i am not sure i would take on all that responsibility at L2

I hope someone will be able to tell you x

I was a ward sister in a former life and would not take on this responsibility in school!

It is not on for the teacher to be trained and to show the person who will carry out the role. It is imperative that the person doing the care is properly trained and fully supported by the medical team.

I think you should contact your union to ask for advice about accountability if something went wrong. I take it that it is the catheter bag that needs changing/emptying which is not a difficult job but carries a risk of introducing infection so the correct procedure must be followed at all times. Is it a mainstream school, if not have you got the facilities to cope with his medical/personal needs? Can adequate protection be guaranteed to avoid injury?

I'm sure that with the right training you could do it but at level 2 I would want a lot more information and guaranteed support before agreeing to take on the role.

Hi HollyW

Thanks for replying. This is a mainstream, 2 form entry school. No other children with physical disabilities. There is a disabled toilet, with a bed which can be used for changing. Once the child moves into the KS2 building the following year, there will be a disabled toilet but no bed/changing area available. The area in KS1 can be made clean and practical, i.e. toilet, basin, bin, bed, changing mat. To be honest, available resources are not the best they could be. I understand that a physiotherapist, a speech therapist, and possibly a nurse will come in termly to check that the child's needs are being met. One of my main concerns (which you referred to) is the risk of something going wrong & me being held liable. I also understand that the child's mother is quite demanding and exacting (who can blame her?!) and will come down on any mistakes made like a ton of bricks.

Sounds like his needs will not be met!!! A bit of passing the buck methinks! Termly visits don't sound enough to me. I firmly believe in mainstream education if the needs of the child can be met but too many are denied the specialist help and facilities that are available in special schools/units.

Don't allow them to use emotional blackmail to get you to take on this role. Get as much advice and information as you can before making a decision. Your union should be able to help.

I'm a 1-1 for a 3 year old with severe learning difficulties in a mainstream nursery class. Part of my role involves supporting her with toiletting and personal hygiene (changing nappies). Im paid as a TA3 (Bristol Grade 8)


Hope this helps

we have a child who has complex needs such as this, changing administering medication ,tube feeding and more !! all his daily care is down to the ta's unless there is a problem........ we have a nurse available 4 days a week as we are a special school.I still feel like a nurse at times. we are all paid as ta's at level 2.

I once worked in a special school doing similar roles on a TA1. Needless to say I left.

Check your job description before you do anything.

Just had my training today in catheterization. Not as bad as I expected it to be.

I am TA2, but am gonna watch this post for the levels of pay with such a role.

If it was me I would have to say no.

I am First Aid trained but this is more than First Aid. I have looked after children with behaviour and physical difficulties, but this child has more than one difficulty. Its an awful lot to put on one person. Its the risk factors. What if this child does get an infection, who are the parents going to look to in these circumstances. Not only that there is a lot of physical work for you, I presume there will be lifting etc.

I am sure you will think carefully about this because once you take it on it will be very difficult to then say no.What happens to the child if you are off sick?

I work in sen school and yes I would be expected to do those jobs however there are enough of us that it would not solely be my responsibility.

What happens with the child if you are ill - who else would do the above?

With our child we are trying to rope in 3 TAs to help. So far only have 2, so least there's one so far to share the responsibility and cover illness. Trying to convince another tomorrow by inviting along to training. Our child doesn't have as severe/multiple things to consider. Mainly catheter and bowels. It is quite alot to ask of people.