On Friday at work I was visously bitten by a young child and had to go to hospital
to get stitches.
It was my left hand and I am left handed.
I am contimplating what motion I should take as I am in a dilemma what to actually do
I was in shock on friday and in great pain as the child has damaged the nerve inbetween
my thumb and my index finger.
I am quiet disheartend at present!!
Sorry....
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justgrrl
- 2009-04-26 @ 14:34:39
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juliepenkova
Pro - http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 14:44:12
The child is a girl and she is four!!
She is very violent and has hurt many other children
in the class over the space of 6 months.
She was so bad that they reduced her hours and she only did mornings.
I personally feel she should have a one to one with her
in the class room. but it is all down to funding!!
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banana
Pro - http://poetry4fun.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 14:52:48
Just read your answer. I think your dispute is with the employers rather than the child. I don't think the police are the right way to go. This child cannot help her condition at this young age and cannot be held responsible for her actions.
Your employers however were aware of her behaviour and made the decision that your (and the other class members) safety were secondary to funding issues.
I would go and see a solicitor and find out where you stand. Are you a member of an union? Your union rep would be a good place to ask - they will often fund this sort of case for their members.-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 15:50:43
The problem is definitly with the head of the school
and should have been delt with some months back
As yet they have not diagnosed her condition but she does
have an older brother who has severe autisim.
She of course can not control her anger and she is getting
worse.
I use to be a member of a union but found them to be not so
supportive.
I will report it to my agency tomorrow.
And have already emailed the school with my oppinion on this matter.
And from there I will see what response I receive first.
Thank you very much!!
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SeasideMan
Pro - 2009-04-26 @ 14:47:40
That needs officially reporting to some authority or other. Police perhaps? I dunno.
Sorry to hear that, it's terrible. I'd be outraged in your position!
Tom.-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 16:59:17
The Child has emotional problems and is under what is called
"Special needs" monitoring.
She should be allocated an adult to be with her, as we call
a one to one which means she is getting specialist care
and thus the other children and staff are not at risk to
her violent outbursts.
This is where I feel the problem stands.
I personally feel she has aspergers as she shows many sighs
of this condition.
It sadly is all down to funding Tom
All schools have a buget and each school can use this as they
see fit.
All ready in this one class are two specialist staff doing
one to one and they are sharing in other duties which are not
their responsibility.
The government need to see what is really going on
I am fed up with their bloody surveys and statistics.
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SeasideMan
Pro
- 2009-04-26 @ 17:01:43
It all sounds very sad - my commiserations.
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banana
Pro
- http://poetry4fun.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 14:49:05
I was going to ask the same question as justgrrl.
Also does the child have special needs issues and if so what?
What led to the incident? Was it entirely out of the blue or was the child panicked in some way?
I wouldn't make any decisions if I were you until you have recovered your emotional balance. Get some distance between the decision process and the incident. There is no rush. But keep records and get pictures of the injuries in case you decide to take some kind of legal action.
It may well be that the legal action (if you do take it) ought to be directed at your employers rather than the child. They should be insured and this is an injury at work. But you may decide not to get into a potentially stressful and unpleasant and lengthy dispute with anyone. Sadly they rarely give any satisfaction.
Hope you feel better soon. It is a shock when something like this happens. I hope your employers are being supportive. -
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banana
Pro
- http://poetry4fun.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 14:59:21
I would say that both the child and yourself have been badly let down here. The child needs to be dealt with appropriately and you need to feel safe at work.
It is about time that educational establishments took the safety of their employees a bit more seriously. I have been in situations in the past when I was frightened for my safety while working as a teacher - it is horrible.
You should definitely see a solicitor or union rep (or better still both) you might be entitled to compensation and you have to be aware that there may be emotional issues. It can be nerve wracking to re-enter the workplace after this kind of trauma.-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 16:20:25
I totally agree with everything you have expressed here
thank you so much!!
This child can not control her emotional state of mind
She can not share and always has to be the centre of attention
and first at every situation.
if she wants to choose an activity she demands that everthing
is at her bec and call and if it is not she lashes out
at anybody and any object in the fireline!!
what lead to this incident was she wanted to be first
at playing hopscotch and pushed over a little boy who
was having his turn she then kicked him in his head
she was brought in and sat down in a quiet area to calm down
and the teacher was writing the incident in the report book
at which point she flung her chair at the teacher and
went over to hit the boy she had just kicked in the head
while he was receiving first aid.
I then took her by the hand and sat her back in the quiet area and watched her at a distance knowing what she might do
and again she flung the chair.
I moved the chair and sat her on the floor inbetween my legs
holding her arms down with mine embrassing her, she tried to break free, I was
wanting her to just calm down when she bent her head foreward
and dug her teeth into my hand.
I have been contimplating what to do all weekend
As I really like this school and have been happy working
here over the last two years.
But safety of staff is as important as safety of children
and this is where I feel is the problem!!
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frankofyle
- 2009-04-26 @ 16:12:56
It all sounds horrendous. Personally, I'd have smacked the brat and then stood her in a corner for half an hour while I sought medical aid, the advice of the 'head' and a large scotch. But I'm old school and you can't, unfortunately, do that sort of thing any more. Nightmare scenario. Hope you get well soon.
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 17:10:16
It was quiet horrendous!!
It was taken to the head and the child was made to apologise
but apologising means nothing to this type of child as she
feels no remorse and needs specialist care.
I do fancy a double scotch though .... but I am on antibiotic's
So can't
Thank you !! -
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banana
Pro
- http://poetry4fun.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 17:05:03
If she had one to one support she could have been removed to a different room rather than a 'quiet area' - then she would have been contained without you having to physically restrain her.
That is preferable for both her and you.
I can see why she lashed out. She probably felt intolerably restricted and reacted instinctively at that point. It was entirely preventable had you or another carer been able to leave the room with her.
I am not sure that your agency will be much help. In my experience they are more interested in maintaining a good relationship with employers as that is more profitable for them.
Do you have training in restraint techniques? If not it is not acceptable for you to be placed in this position and is further indication of a problem with the way the school is handling matters.
The child does not need to have been diagnosed - the fact that she has a history of attacking children is bad enough whether or not there is a diagnosis in place.
The other children and staff need to be safe and the little girl needs to be protected as well. Otherwise she might come into contact with a member of staff who is not as professional as you are and then she may be at risk of abuse herself.
Nice idea frankofyle, but a child with these kind of issues won't be kept quiet unless the smack you give her would render her unconscious - which isn't the best way to go
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 17:30:51
She has been taken in the past to another small room
to calm down and It is me who usually takes her there,
but on this particular time it was not available it was being used.
If I had not have tried to contain her she was about to
lash out at other children so a choice had to be made
neither choice was correct due to circumstances.
The child is well cared for and is given much attention
but other children's welfare is being neglected because of this
and that is another major problem.
Everything you have expresses is correct.
I will see what my agency will say tomorrow.
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bugelugzaflyonthewall
- 2009-04-26 @ 19:15:21
As an ex head of school, I have to say I am horrified that this situation has not been resolved in 6 months. No matter what the child's diagnosis or lack there of the situation is totally unacceptable.
In my experience, a child that bites is a frustrated child. The cause of that frustration could be one of a million different sources. It is significant that she is a sibling of a child with Autism, as without adequate support, she could be mimicking the elder sibling.
If the little girl has asbergers tendencies it does make the situation more difficult to manage. Analysis of the circumstance is crucial, and it may be advisable to investigate deeper into her situation. If the family have a tendency toward emotional defecit it is possible that something subtle has changed in the child's life and she is lashing out in fear.
Your head of school quite frankly needs to step up to the plate, and take the child for one to one cognitive play on a daily basis if necessary. If he/she cannot fund an emotional support worker for the younster then the head needs to assume responsibility and either delegate the task or carry it out themself.
A young boy at my school was horrendous, biting, kicking destroying breaking and generally a little tornado of torment. Just affording him half an hour of my time in the day for a few weeks opened up the pathways to resolution. It turned out that an elder cousin who had come to live with the family due to death of his parents had been rough handling the problematic child and taunting him with threats that his parents too would die. Anesu, the child in my school was only 4 but his cousin was 7 and trying to deal with the loss of his parents, eldest sister and home with no appropriate emotional support to prossess these losses.
The wild, problematic children are the ones who need to be reached, though they push people away the are really seeking their acceptance.
As tough as it may appear, this is not a situation that can just be left. The child is old enough to understand actions evoke consequences, I agree it was in appropriate to insist she apologise as it is my belief that from the situation described she has no perception of wrong doing. Since the incident occured on Friday, no further meaningful action can be taken with the child as it is now too late.
Exclusion of the child too would be foolish. And holding the parents accountable for the actions of a child whilst in your care would also appear futile. Thus the line has to be drawn and new beginnings of firm parameters established. A program of strategy drawn up and applied for the best of all involved. Does the school have a 'play buddies' or 'mentorship' programme that this little girl can be locked into?
I realize you may well feel disheartened right now, however I would just like to remind you of the definition of abuse. 'to incorrectly, inproperly misuse or an evil, unjust or malicious practice.' You state the child is unable to register remorse and if this is the case she is not able to set about cognitively being malicious. This in no way diminishes the audacity of the situation however.
It is a difficult dilemma whichever way you look at it, however follow your heart and you will know what action to take. Hopefully the Head of School will step up to the plate and actually lead his/her staff and pupils through this trying situation. They are ultimately responsible for the injury sustained on duty, whether or not you hold them accountable to that responsibility is your choice.
Be blessed sweet pea, and I hope your hand heals soon.-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 23:07:27
Thank you Jules!
I agree the diagnosis is not the issue but I mentioned it
because the child has "special needs"
Her frustration as you have pointed out could be from mimicking
her older brother.This has been discussed at meetings.
Asbergers has been discussed only amongst staff.
The situation with this particular child has not been addressed
due to funding, this is because the head has already bugeted for three one to one's due to the intake of various special needs children that started in september.
and in order to have a one to one a child has to be assest and
only then can this child be given one to one, she has not even
been assest but I do not know all the info regarding the future planning for this child at present.
It is a Nursery Unit not a Primary School.
The Head therefore has allocated her perminant staff to supervise over this child on different days taking turns doing
one to one which means we are one member of staff less and other duties have to be put on standby, this is wrong!
The child has what is called "Time out" which is basically time for the staff to gather themselves and the situation on-going with the rest of the children.
The Head usually takes the child to her office, my point
of view on this is the child thinks this is a treat.
I do not agree with how the whole issue is being delt with
at all.
And everything you have mentioned only re-inforces my thoughts
on this whole matter.
The School does not have a playbuddies or mentorship programme
I will mention this to the head when I see her.
I do feel that with the correct specialist care this incident
could have been avoided
I am strong in mind and will sort this matter out the best
way possible.
I will reflect on all these comments and will discuss matters
with the head when I return to work.
Thank you so much Jules!
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bugelugzaflyonthewall
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:02:21
Julie, if it is a nursery unit, then the head should be in a situation whereby he/she is aware that since the child is under the age of 7 she needs continuity. Allocating a different member of staff each day affords no continuity. Consistancy is what any challenging child needs.
I agree whole heartedly that it is an overload on you staff, however if the only way one can achieve funded 'one to one' allocation is through assessment, then the head needs to speak to the powers that be and initiate one.
'Time-Out' strategies only work as cooling off periods - thus they are merely a symptomatic approach. Rewarding negative behaviour simply encourages it.
One of my teachers initiated an appraisal scheme which I infact rolled out throughout my school as it proved extremely effective. Maybe it is something you would like to consider?
The Apple Tree
Every good action earns a section of apple (made from paper) the size of the piece was determined by the childs age, 2 year olds had two halves, 3 year olds had three thirds, 4 year old four quarters, and the 5 year olds 5 fifths. Once they completed their apple it went onto the apple tree in the classroom. On a Friday all the apples would be counted. Any child with 10 apples or more then got an apple tree (the children each made their own initially) posted in the orchar on the notice board at the entry to the school. There tree was in the orchard for a week. If it stayed there for 3 weeks the child's name was posted for the rest of term, in the citizens of school section of the notice board. A simple concept that yielded fantastic results.
We used coloured paper or the apple shaped postits to make the apple cut-outs.-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:31:56
Consistency is what is so impotant and this is not happening.
The actual class teacher is also senior management which as
you know means she is hardly ever in her class due to overload
of other school commitments and overload on paper work
profile and record keeping.
the staff have been constantly changing within this class
on a weekly basis and on the whole this class is not in
harmony at all.
I persoally think she should be in one of the other calmer classes as I work in all of them on different days and can
compare.
I will mention this to the head too!!
Time out is of no benifit for the child and is used as a last
resort
I dont agree with it either
I have often taken her out to a different room or to the garden
as the change of environment always alters their mood
and is a great cooling off indeed!!
But circumstance did not let this happen on friday!!
Yes rewarding negative behaviour will not help this child
and already other children are fearful of her
so she has no friends except one who is very strong willed
like her. they end up fighting everyday!!
I love your appraisal scheme
That is very inspiring
Thank you!!
And guess what
Each class in this nursery is named after trees!!
...
Cheers for that Jules!! XX-
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bugelugzaflyonthewall
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:34:08
Wow!!!!
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-26 @ 23:45:23
Jules on reflection I know my title was wrong
and I have changed it!!
But if you saw my hand
.....self pity....oops sorry!!
Thank you for this as you are correct!!...-
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bugelugzaflyonthewall
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:10:39
That is understandable Julie. You were injured after all, and having needed stitches to boot. I was not challenging your title, merely trying to point out that we have all got so locked into this abuse awareness that we have started ascribing its label wherever we are able and sometimes it does not fit.
Indeed staff here are so vulnerable to these sort of attacks and all manner of inappropriate behaviour and as you so clearly experienced, despite the little one being in the wrong, it is you that have had to deal with the consequences. Thus through the system we are programming our future generations to shirk their responsibility for their actions and to live by the ethos 'not me gov'-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:53:37
Thank you so much Jules XX
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mynameisnotlucy
- 2009-04-26 @ 23:31:52
Oh no.. I hope your hand is going to be ok soon..!
wow I couldn't believe that a four years old could bite so hard to need to get stitches! Take care Julie..
x x x x-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:02:42
Hello Tho,
How are you I wish I had your email as I been very worried
about you and Vivi!!
This is a lovely plesent surprise...
Have you been On holiday?
I hope Vivi is recovering well??
I was taken back by how deep the bite was
and as you know an adult cannot use any form of force on
a child as this would only backfire onto me or any member of staff.
She has emotional problems and is very forceful when she
gets frustrated and she really has strength in those teeth
She is so cute if you saw her
But those teeth!!
I am on antibiotics and pain killers
they are working and I am seeing my local doctor tomorrow!!
I do not know what your system in french schools are like
each country is quiet different!!
Beware of teeth tho!!
Your hands are piano hands!!...
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mynameisnotlucy
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:19:55
Yes, hands hurts can be dangerous..
I don't have any violent kid in my classes,
but I'm going to be careful anyway..!
About me, I wasn't on holidays, or well
I was on holidays from school but I stayed at home.
I had some problems with Vivi lately,
and now she is at her friend Kazuo's since last week.
Well..luckly I don't have to work at least.
my pupils will be on holidays until May 4.
That's a good thing.
Oh, please let me know what your doctor says tomorrow!-
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mynameisnotlucy
- 2009-04-27 @ 01:08:45
Of course I'll say it..
when I'll se her..
I hope soon.
Goodnight Julie
x x x
Tho -
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mynameisnotlucy
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:27:37
Oh, anyway, she's recovering well.
After a lung surgery it's normal that it takes some time to get "normal" again, but she's strong, you know it.
She's going to be totally recovered very soon-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-27 @ 01:01:10
Give Vivi my love and my blessings
and hugs to you both
*X*X*X*
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MrRook
Pro - http://mrrooksplace.blog.co.uk/
- 2009-04-27 @ 00:32:17
Hi Julie
I'm really sorry to learn about your injury and the failure of your management to fulfil their anticipatory duty to protect staff. I can't add anything much to the sage advice of Bugle..., but I do hope that you heal soon - and that you don't lose your enthusiasm for your work. Our children need the likes of you!
Colin
<*((((><(<br />
PS I'm left handed too ;-)-
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-27 @ 01:14:43
Hello Colin!!
Thank you!!
It was the shock and the pain that took me by surprise,
I am use to children with emotional behaviour problems
and this child usually gravitates to me when she is upset
and always wants to join in any activity I do so I was actually
wanting to give her a calming embrase but it did not turn out
that way unfortunately!!
I am OK Colin but this school is typical of many I am afraid!!
And believe it or not it is one of the better schools
I love my work and will ware a hand support till it heals!!
Left handed people are very quirky me thinks!!...
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janetweightreed
- http://www.janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-29 @ 13:12:06
Hi Julie
I just read the blog about the child biting you. I need to digest this one. It's just so awful for you, the child, and society in general.
I will write more about this when I have had time to think about it.
I do hope you are recovering.
Also your comments re new agers, or charlatons taking advantage of others. It's something we all need to be aware of.
Since my 87 year old Mother became ill, I am aware of just how vulnerable she is in this area. I will write more about this another time.
Stay well, listen to beautiful music, and draw or paint, it will help to heal you.
janetx
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juliepenkova
Pro
- http://juliepenkova.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-29 @ 18:34:56
Thank you Janet!!
I do care for the vulnerable were spiritual advise is concerned
and if needing guidance to seek it from a professional
as I have been a victim of this and will be vigilent from
now on.
The people who claim to give love and light when put to the test are quiet different to the persona's they put out on this blog site.
My hand is healing well and I have a meeting with the head of
my school tomorrow to dicuss many issues regarding most of what
has been disgussed on this post- in comments.
Yes... listen to lovely music and sketch and paint soon!!
I will.... I will...
Will chat with you any time dear Janet! XX -
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How old is that child, if I may ask.