Anyone know what a "target child" is?

[Hathor]

Have just been told my dc (year 6) is a "target child" in maths. What does this mean?

[lovecheese]

I think it means that your dc has been identified as someone who is perhaps not hitting the level expected of them with regards to numeracy. Expect extra lessons in a little group with other targetted children. I may be barking up the wrong tree BTW, but think that's right. (?)

[lovecheese]

Hathor, if it is what I said don't panic. My eldest DD got a 2a in KS1 SATs, but by the end of year 4 was clearly not progressing at the rate expected of her - think she was only a 3c, so falling behind. This year she is having 1:1 numeracy lessons, in addition to normal class lessons, mainly to boost her confidence. So if something similar is mentioned regarding your dc take it, it can only be for his or her benefit.

[Hathor]

That's what I was thinking it might mean. Seems a bit odd, as dc is in a fairly high group in class, or at least average, and as far as I know gets no extra help other than the usual class grouping. I will ask the teacher.
Wish they would explain their terms.

[Hathor]

Happy if dc is getting extra help, but seems odd.

[lovecheese]

Teacher-speak can be jargon, I agree!

From what you have just said it sounds very likely that school are perhaps concerned that dc will not hit a 4b in KS2 SATs, and they are acting now, which is good.

[coppertop]

At ours the target children are either those needing extra help to get a level 4 or those who with a little help could reach a level 5. I'm not a teacher though.

[Hathor]

Thanks. I think it must mean the progress then. Will ask for clarification from class teacher.

[madamefreckle]

As a teacher, I'd agree with coppertop (although we've never named them 'target' children). If it means, as others have suggested, that your child is offered 10 hours of 1:1 tuition as per the governement initiative then it can only be a good thing. Usually the class teacher will choose which children to 'target' for such tuition and it could be either to boost them to level 4 or to level 5. These children are rarely under-achievers. More often they are those who are not doing the school's 'value added' any favours (more teacher speak. Basically, as lovecheese said, this means for example that if a child leaves KS1 with a level 2a in English or Maths they are on target for a level 5 by the end of year 6. If, somewhere before year 6, they are thought not to be reaching their potential then the school will be eager to boost their attainment.

Alternatively, a target child could be something else altogether!

[madamefreckle]

Just realised I contradicted myself there when I said they are rarely under-achievers then saying they are thought not to be reaching their potential. What I meant by not under-achievers was not seriously under-achieving for their age-group.

[lovecheese]

Is your school having a christmas fair Hathor? It could be that your child has been chosen to have wet sponges lobbed at his head!