Mixed reception and yr1 class, experiences?

[Bumperlicioso]

Just been to dd1's school meeting and when we signed in we were confused to see there were 2 classes, one of 28 and one of 10, our dd was one of the 10. It wasn't mentioned in the welcome talk, and it was only when asked in the classroom that the teacher said these 10 will be in a mixed class with a group of year 1s.

I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm a bit cross they didn't think to mention it before, and the way it was slipped in, but they didn't seem to have any idea of how the class will progress through the school, well, they weren't clear.

I'm worried that dd will be missing out by being with so few of her peers. Also for some reason they have put the mixed class at the other end of the school. Usually there are one or two classes in the reception area which is sort of open plan but divided. They said that it hadn't worked very well this year with so many children in that space.

I'm trying not to feel pfb about the whole thing. They did say the carefully selected the pupils to go in the mixed group. But dd is young in her year, not yet even 4 so I am assuming they have done it on confidence or social ability which dd has in spades!

Does anyone have any experience of mixed classes and how they progress through the school.

[Clayhead]

My dc have both been in mixed Reception/YR 1 (as well as mixed YR 1/2, 2/3 etc. - we're on Yr 4/5 now!).

It has never been a problem at all - all children are taught as individuals anyway and there's no reason for them to have more in common with children born in the 12 months between 1st September and 31st August than any other 12 month period.

My dc's teachers managed the EYFS/Key Stage 1 split admirably and then children never knew they were on different stages/curricula. When we did YR 2/3 the teacher was very careful that the Year 2s still did Infant's Christmas Plays, Sports Days etc.

The only query I would have is ow the EYFS is delivered for those ten children, how they do free flow play for example.

HTH.

[Mum2be79]

A lot of Y1 classes are set up for 'Areas of Provision' which in a nutshell means 'learning through play'. Most Y1 teachers are encouraged to continue the profile from reception as it has 9 points and most children would have only achieved 6 points by the time the reach Y1.
In September in our school, Y1 will mirror the classroom set-up and teachings as in Reception to ease transition. The teacher will, as time goes by, ensure Reception children have plenty of play opportunities whilst trying to encourage more structure and independence in the Y1 children.
As a Y1 teacher, I had lots of worried parents like yourself when they found out their child was going into a mixed class (when I taught Y4/5 and Y1/2). All parents ended the year saying their child had a positive experience. Every class, regardless of in being mixed year groups or not, will ALWAYS have children working at a wide range of ability. I have a Y1 class with children working from points 1 and 2 of the profile to level 2A of NC and I HAVE to make sure EVERY child is catered for.

[Bumperlicioso]

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure it will be fine. I suppose my biggest worry was that there is one mixed and one non-mixed class. Dd will only be with 10 of her peer group. What happens when the older ones move on?

[Marne]

My dd's are in a class of reception, year 1 and year 2, i was really worried when we were told but it has worked out well, several parents removed there children from the school as they didn't agree with it, now theres only 25 in the class.

[twonker]

it has worked fine for my kids. in reception they have an awareness of the differentiated activities y1 are doing which prepares them for those sorts of activities when they reach y1. plus i don't think they mind socialising with children one year older than them... i don't think they even really notice that. If i was in your position, i would want to ask the school if they have had this arrangement in the past and how they plan to move it on in the coming years.

[DownyEmerald]

One thing I found when dd started in a school which has a lot of mixed year classes is that it isn't explained clearly. I think the school just doesn't understand how confusing it is when you meet it for the first time, and how the progression carries on through the school. So it could be that the school are very clear about it, just don't realise you might not be.

I can remember a conversation with two reasonably intelligent friends where we tried to work it all out without the help of visual aids (or all the facts tbh), and failed!

[LetThereBeCake]

bumper, it's fine. DS1 is in a mixed R/Y1 class and has thrived, and DS2 will be joining the class next year and I have no concerns. The reception children get to play, but they see the more formal stuff going on so it's a more gentle step when they get to Y1. And the Y1 children get to play a bit more too, I think.

Also, your DD1 is very confident :o She'll be fine

[Bumperlicioso]

Thanks :)