hi, got my first non casual ta job two months ago. supporting a VI child. love the job, school everything. however, there is another 1:1 support in the class who is not doing her job properly, one of the class teachers is covering for her, the other class teacher is also her 1:1's mum and she has complained, so has the HLTA who does PPA cover. As this support feels intimidated by the way i work with the children and the fact they like me, the other class teacher has segregated me and my 1:1, which is doing nothing for inclusion. Ihave also spoken to head. Head said heared nothing but good reports from all staff about me, and will sort situation. Head phoned me to say wants me to attend meeting of all class staff to hash out problems, needs me to be as honest as poss, problem is other support will cry and nowing this I don't think I can say anything as she is actually a nice lady, just shouldn't be a TA - she is unqualified and not interested in doing any courses etc, she shouts at the children and has a perminant frown on her face, this is a joint Rec and Yr 1 class. Any advice please. Looked through the other threads but nothing that can help.........meeting on wed night.

i really don't think they should be putting you in this position, if they know there are problems they should be honest and offer her support and guidance by setting targets and helping her to achieve them

Can you speak to the HT and tell him how you feel

A very awkward situation for you, and I know it must be very difficult but at the end of the day you have to put the children first.
You dont have to go to the meeting and rip the other TA to shreds, just say whilst you think she is a lovely lady you are concerned that this TA is not giving the children the support they need. You may be asked to give examples so plan that carefully before you go. But it sounds like others will be giving their opinions so you may not have to say much.

I was in a similar situation once and although it was horrible it enabled another TA to get the extra support and training she so badly needed and now she is doing really well. I did it for those children who were missing out on a good education and having their self-esteem lowered by somebody who only ever put them down.

If someone thought I wasn't doing my job properly I would rather be told so I can rectify it.
Good luck and let us know how you get on x

The HT knows I feel awkward about this situation, but feels it is important for the whole class team to be involved. I'm hoping the others will have so much to say that I can just sit and not be noticed, if I am drawn in to speak I think I will base my concernes around my 1:1 child as he is being excluded because of this situation. As for the other 1:1 child her mum (also one of the class teachers) can speak up fo her. I think i'm more concerned with having to go back to work on thursday. to think two months ago i was so excited at having got this job. not so sure now..

Whilst agree it is unfair to put you in this position I think the worst example of unfairness is your child being segregated from the class due to this TAs feelings/insecurities. It sounds like you are doing a great job dont let this situation spoil that for you xx

thanks for your support, will let you know how it goes....

This is an awful situation to put you in.I would just keep to the fact that the child should be in class.If asked -just suggest that you found the training invaluable. Good Luck.

If it was me I would sit back and get a feel for the meeting, just incase its a witchhunt. I think you are right if you are called upon to speak say it as a TA supporting a child who is being isolated. Be constructive. My biggest question is- if they knew what she was like why haven't they dealt with this issue before,why have they waited for someone like you to come forward. Is she on permanent payroll? Have they been waiting to get rid of her? Just be careful of your position in this, hopefully it will be a team meeting looking at how to constructively help and support the children.

i think it is more a case of they didn't fully realise how bad she was, until I came along doing the same job so differently. I know that sounds a bit like patting myself on the back but I worked hard to get that job, and the child needs me to be the best so he can achieve along with others who have no problems.

well, the meeting was not what I expected, everyone managed to sort out the who is doing what when problems, but no-one broached the subject of the other TA not working properly, the head kept promting but it didn't happen. I managed to get my 1:1 re- included, well on paper anyway, see what happens when I go in tomorrow.

Glad it went ok flash fingers crossedall is well tomorrow