You have heard an increased amount of noise from the room next to the one in which you work with your group of children in a day nursery. A student on work placement appears to have taken a dislike to one of the children. She always calls him ‘Gregory O’Connor’, although he is known as Greg to everyone else and children in this setting are not usually addressed by their fi rst and family name. Over the last week most of her shouting appears to have been aimed at Greg and you thought you heard her mocking the child’s accent with, ‘Can’t understand you – talk properly!’ Your colleague next door has been showing the student how to complete a developmental record on children. As you passed the door of that room you saw the student propel Greg into a chair and say, ‘Right, Gregory O’Connor. Let’s see all the things you can’t do.’ Today the two rooms have joined together for lunch. You are chatting with Greg. The student ignores you, leans over to Greg and shouts very close to his ear, ‘You shut up, Gregory O’Connor! No talking at mealtimes!’ You say to the student, ‘I was talking with Greg,’ and she just stares at you. The practitioner responsible for this room looks across but he says nothing. Consider the following questions. If possible, bring together the views of your colleagues or fellow students.

● What would concern you about these situations?

● In each, what should probably be your fi rst step