School expels five-year-old girl

Tamara Howard, who only started school in January, is believed to be the youngest child to be permanently excluded from classes in the city.

Tamara is said to have attacked several members of staff as well as a pupil during her brief time at Old Moat Community Primary School in Withington.

Manchester City council is now trying to find an appropriate school for her.

The head teacher of Old Moat primary said she had no choice but to exclude the girl permanently because she could "seriously harm the education and welfare of pupils and others".

Tamara's mother, Angela Howard, said she believed that not enough time was taken to resolve the problems.

"Her behaviour at home, can sometimes be hyperactive, but it's not really bad behaviour," she said.

"It's just her being a normal five-year-old to me.

"It's left me wondering what's going to happen in the future, and it's left me thinking, where do I go from here?"

The problems came to a head in September when Tamara was sent home for 15 days after it was alleged she hit her teacher and a classmate because she had been asked to clear away some toy bricks.

Earlier in the year she had attacked several other members of staff.

A council spokesman said: "It is very unusual for a school to have to come to a decision to permanently exclude a pupil.

"This pupil is already receiving intensive help and support and we are continuing to work with her parent to ensure that an appropriate school place is found as quickly as possible."

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