Wwyd

ASD?

Thank you for your suggestions.
We have a reward chart.
I have tried talking to her when she's calm. She doesn't seem to have an understanding of why she does it. It's very difficult to explain exactly how she's behaving in that moment but it is nothing like I've ever seen in child before. The sheer determination to get away again once caught is distressing. Her eyes are very wide and she has a scary look about her.The poor man that caught her got kicked and punched for his trouble!
Social worker is making me feel like I'm being difficult, and my daughter and I have argued about it (not infront of dgd).The school are aware of the problem too.
I will be suggesting taxis for the interim period. After the summer holidays dgd will be living with dd full time and she will have to make childcare arrangements to fit around her working hours.
Thanks again ?

I'd suggest a wee chat when she's calm, maybe asking her why she does it, and telling her why it scares you. Then agree on a rule ( something like, " stay beside me when we're out, rather than," no running off" ), and a reward and loads of praise when she keeps to the rule. You might want to let her suggest the reward ( within reason!) and keep a star chart, where she gets a star for staying beside you, and a simple, " sorry, no star today, as you didn't stay beside me", and certainly never take stars away. You could also decide how many stars she needs to get to get the reward, maybe only setting it at 3 or 4 days, so she gets the idea.

I totally agree whatever social worker suggested putting her on reigns is off her rocker she's not a horse or a dog
Sensible of you to bring up the fact you can't control her I think a reward system is the way to go as children usually relate very well to that even simple gold stars but yes if nothing else can work, a taxi must be the only sensible answer

Reins are indeed a truly ridiculous idea.

The SSD have a duty to this child and to you as the person who has responsibility for her at the moment. They have a duty to safeguard her well-being, and, as you are very sensibly flagging up a danger, to respond positively to this. Speak to the Safeguarding Officer for the council and tell them that this child is in danger of serious injury or death and remind them of their duty to her. Do not let them fob you off - this is too serious.

Well done for looking after this little one; she will inevitably be disturbed during this transition.

As there is social work nvolvement, it suggests you granddaughter has lived with you for four years because her mother couldn't care for her. If there is a care or supervision order, or special guardianship, the social work team have statutory duties. A taxi for you to the end of term is one practical solution.
The other obvious issue is what kind of support she and her family are getting in this period. By that, I mean advice and support as well as practical help. Reins ! Ridiculous idea

PS the idea of putting reins in a 6-year old is ridiculous

She is confused and unhappy, but also very naughty. My GD is 6 too (today in fact) so I understand that age and suggest you sit down with yours and have a serious discussion with her. Then you need to introduce a reward scheme for good, agreed behaviour.

At six she is capable of modifying her behaviour if this has come on suddenly. If, however, her behaviour has been a long-term issue then that might be more difficult.