Class size of 60 for a day?

[Mumtogremlins]

Does this happen very often in anyone else's junior/primary school? Year 4 teacher was off today, no other cover available so another year 4 teacher had her class and my DSs class together - 60 children. Is this a common thing or something to be concerned about?
You'd think there would be someone to take over. I'm not sure if its happened before or not

[admission]

I suppose at a pragmatic level there is nothing to stop this happening, there is no maximum class size when you get to year 3 and above. There is also the simple fact that quite often it is better for the class to have somebody they know that try and introduce a supply teacher who they have never seen before.
So on an occasional level in an emergency I would say not a problem, if it was happening on a regular basis and especially at infant level then that is becoming a bad habit and something to be avoided.

[learnandsay]

I've seen one or two big classes and have had explanations such as the other teacher had gone on a school trip. I think for one day it's not a big problem.

[mrz]

Technically there isn't a maximum class size ratio in KS2 in England - room size would be the limiting factor. I imagine there were other adults assisting?

[prettydaisies]

I've taught 2 classes together like this before. If my colleague is called away unexpectedly - their child is sick, the car's broken down etc, I've taught both classes and often on my own. We have no extra SMT around to take classes, even the head teaches some days!

[Mumtogremlins]

I believe they were all in one classroom with the tables moved out of the way. I don't think there were any TAs there as they are not there much as it is. I'm not convinced it won't happen again as the school is short on teachers and the head isn't around much and doesn't do teaching! It's a bit beneath him. The deputy head normally covers classes but he's taken over another class as yet another teacher has left

[InTheoryBut]

It doesn't sound ideal.

I've covered 2 classes before, but we have pairs of classrooms with doors that open in between, so plenty of space and always have the 2 class TAs and additional 1:1 TAs, so plenty of adults. It's generally felt to be a better option for an afternoon's cover, rather than an unknown supply. But I've never done it for a full day, and it doesn't happen often.

I'd keep an eye on it, and if it happens again, there's no reason why you shouldn't raise it with the Head and ask about future arrangements.

[mrz]

If the class is supervised by a cover supervisor or TA they won't be taught ... that is the law. If they are in a large class with a teacher (and the same TA) they will be taught.

[LaBelleDameSansPatience]

Why on earth would you worry if it happens occasionally? The children probably had a great time. Nothing wrong with it legally.

Always a bit about parents who want to micro-manage their child's school life.