Who would you contact with this concern?

[LynetteScavo]

DS2 has a new maths teacher (he has two maths teachers). DS2 has been complaining since the new teacher started that he's not learning anything in those lessons because the class is so disruptive.

It seems the teacher came in very strict initially and the class, particularly the very articulate girls are challenging that.

Now DS2 been given an after school detention by this teacher for not having his planner, which DS1 tells me is "harsh".

I've a feeling not all is well in this maths class. I've asked DS2 several times to speak to the head of maths regarding his concern that he's not learning much, but he says he will speak to the HOY tomorrow about it.

Because the teacher is new I don't have their email. I'm not sure if it would be OTT to email head of maths...or someone else.

Or do I say nothing and pray he doesn't have the same teacher next year?

[senua]

What year is DS2 in? How long has the teacher been at the school? Are they NQT or experienced?

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Contact the HOD or one of SLT (head, deputy etc). Be polite. Ask questions rather than make accusations. They're much more likely to look into it if you contact them than if your DS complains to HOY.

[noblegiraffe]

Where are you? If there's only two weeks of term left and a new teacher next year, I'd leave it.

[Maria33]

Contact the head of maths

[anyquestions]

Like noblegiraffe I would just leave it if you're in England and therefore due to break up for the summer holidays soon. See what happens when your DS goes back in September.

[ifonly4]

As others have said, there's only two weeks to go so I'd leave it. Obviously if he has the same teacher next year, when review it then.

We had concerns with my DD's maths teacher and raised it at parents evening with her registration tutor - we were apparently the third lot who'd raised the same issue, so if are concerned next term don't feel awkward doing it. We were told it was being referred to the Head of Maths but also for us to contact the teacher himself. DD hasn't progressed as much as usual this year, but things have improved.

[ValancyJane]

It's really hard for a teacher to start mid-year when the class dynamics are already established, and even perfectly nice classes can be quite resistant to change! We have a new teacher in our department who started last month, and the kids are giving her hell - not because she's not a good teacher, she is fab, but because she is trying to establish herself and do things her way. Also because it's nearly summer, and they are getting a tad crazy with all the heat, sunshine and end of year trips that are looming etc.

Like others, I would leave it until the start of the new year, see if he's still teaching the class (and there may well have been some set movements so a different dynamic) and then review the situation. Two weeks before the end of term I don't think is the best idea.

The only thing I would maybe query is regarding the detention for forgetting the planner - if this is not in line with school policy, I might drop an email to the form tutor to ask for clarification. If it is in line with school policy, I wouldn't.