How would you expect to hear that your child was being moved down a set?

[JenaiMorris]

Just that really. I'm trying to decide if I'm BU. Will stop by a little later to explain more (an at a sporting event with dodgy 3G!).

[RevelsRoulette]

I guess it depends how old they are, if they are struggling in all areas, if there was a problem, etc. If it was one subject and it was part of a general assessment of the kids and it was secondary school then I wouldn't expect to hear much about it, just be informed in a letter or something. But if there was a big problem then I would expect to be asked to come in to meet with the teacher and when I got there, I would expect it to all be explained to me, be shown their work and shown how they were going to help my child.

[usualsuspect]

Secondry age. I would expect the child to tell me

[heidihole]

If it was senior school I guess the child would tell me it had happened.

[curlew]

In secondary school, I would expect my child to tell me.

[TheFallenMadonna]

I don't tell parents about set changes, or indeed setting in the first instance. I would tell them about any changes to courses followed only. I report on progress three times a year, and my most recent assessments are available "live" too.

[ShatnersBassoon]

Via the child, same as if they were moved up a set.

[titchy]

Agree via child. Sets tend to be pretty fluid and kids can change on a termly basis!

[lljkk]

It kind of depends on the kid. Dd would probably know & care so tell me. DSs might not realise, & wouldn't care, so wouldn't tell me & neither would anyone else.

[noblegiraffe]

In my dept we have a standard letter which we hand to the pupil to give to their parents. There is a slip to return to say that the parent has received it, but realistically this will never be chased up.

[JohnnyUtah]

Via my child.

[RandomMess]

Via my child unless it was to a very bottom set indicating that there was a serious education issue and needed help.

[NoComet]

Via the child and they don't get told in advance, just given that years time table.

Only exception was a letter about MFL groups, because they have had a massive reorganisation.

[TheWoollybacksWife]

Via the child then school follow it up with a letter giving a bit more detail.

[BoundandRebound]

We don't inform parents of sets

[VBisme]

From the child in secondary school.

[lljkk]

Wait, do you guys already know which set your DC are in, I mean did the school inform you in some way?

[cory]

in secondary school via the child, and wouldn't expect any other communication re original set either, except perhaps at regular parents evenings three times a year

unless, as Random mentions, if there were serious learning difficulties

[balia]

We have a standard letter that I would send home if I thought the child might not be reliable, or if it was the result of an issue that I'd already talked to the parent about. But generally I'd rely on the child, most are very good and can explain the reasons perfectly well at secondary age.

[lljkk]

hmmm I think kids are sometimes the last ones to have a true clue which set they are really in. Can't tell you how many times DC have over- or under-estimated their own abilities. At all ages.

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Between school years (e.g. moving from Year 8 to 9) i wouldn't expect a school to inform parents. It's just one of those things that happens iyswim. If it was during the school year then every school I have worked in has moved up sets without notifying parents, but sent a letter home or phoned if a child is moving down.

[kitchendiner]

DS told me BUT it's been very motivating and has been a rocket up his . His grades (science) have now gone back up, and he will be back up at the next reshuffle. So, going down was actually a good thing!

[TeenAndTween]

Via my child.
I know the sets because its on her timetable eg 9Fr4 - year 9 French set4.