Is this yr1 child a year ahead of average?

[Runoutofideas]

Had a conversation with a mum at school this morning who thinks that because her child in Yr1 is currently assessed as a 1a this means that she's working a year ahead of what is expected. I think it means she's bright but within normal range for her year. What do you think?

[exexpat]

Pretty normal, I would have thought - I think the KS1 'target' is 2b by the end of year 2, so if she was really a year ahead she'd be a 2-something now, wouldn't she? But this is probably not an argument you want to get into - just the kind of parent you want to avoid having school-related conversations with...

[Runoutofideas]

hmm yes I think you are right exexpat. Her argument to that was that there's still most of this year left to go....

She's someone I don't speak to often, but she cornered me this morning. Parents' Eve was last night which I think is why she's getting her knickers in a twist.

[exexpat]

Yep, just checked the piece of paper DD's school handed out with their KS1 sats results last year, and 1a is the target for end of year 1 - so I suppose if she's assessed as a 1a in everything now she's technically a few months ahead, but certainly not outstandingly advanced....

[SlartyBartFast]

isnt 1 nearer the bottom?

[redskyatnight]

Is she 1a for everything - good proportion of DS's school had hit this in reading by Xmas.

I'd say 1a is good but not outstanding for Y1.

[Goingspare]

Yes, she is, but the Oxbridge place probably isn't in the bag quite yet.

The point is not how clever she is, but who it's appropriate to share these proud moments with - even if she was already a level 3, cornering an acquaintance would be a bit much. In her position, DH and I would be quietly chuffed together, and we'd tell the grandparents that she was doing very well at school. Maybe she doesn't have anyone to share it with? Otherwise, she's getting a little overexcited.

Nod, smile, keep moving.

[lovecheese]

Quite, Goingspare. I wouldn't dream of discussing, or rather offering, this kind of info to all and sundry, I personally like to keep suchlike to myself. A mum did once ask me outright (She cornered me in the shop!) what reading level my DD was on and I felt uncomfortable replying - but she hasn't askd me again

[lovecheese]

asked

[exexpat]

Perhaps you should direct her towards the G&T section on MN - she could brag as much as she wanted, but I would guess she'd soon be cut down to size...

[geraldinetheluckygoat]

does it really matter? so what if she thinks her kid is ahead, she's bragging a bit I agree, but why start a thread on mumsnet?! It's nice for her to think her dd is doing well, surely?

[magicmummy1]

I have never understood why some parents feel the need to share their child's "levels" with other people. It's none of their business, and I doubt that others are interested in any case.

1a doesn't sound outstandingly good to me.

[emptyshell]

She's a little bit ahead(ish) but not massively slow, and half the class might suddenly have a spurt where everything clicks and catch up a bit. Kids, rather annoyingly for the Government bods, refuse to progress in nice neat curves!

Ideally she'd be leaving Y1 at a 1a to hit a 2b at the end of year 2.

[emptyshell]

Not massively so* - trying to do ten things at once here and type as usual.

[MollieO]

Ive checked ds's reading levels with school mum friends. His teacher said he was a long way behind but didn't tell me where he should be. Having a chat with others gave me some indication and saved my need to be a pushy parent with the teacher for another day.

[collision]

but she might well 'plateau' and not make much progress for the rest of the year!

I would not dream of discussing how bright or not bright my ds was with anyone!

Silly woman.

[Runoutofideas]

Thanks all - you've confirmed what I thought. Will try to avoid getting caught up with her again!