What to do if you want a stricter teacher?

[mugglingalong]

Rather than hijack the other thread do you think the same rules apply if you want a stricter teacher. Dd is in juniors and in a boy heavy class and there has been ongoing low level but constant and more significant disruption (exclusions etc). It's not just one or two but about a third of the class. The teachers have been either lovely and sweet but not really controlling the class or inconsistent and making up one rule then changing it etc. It is getting to the stage where other children are calling them the naughty class and they are split into two groups for some activities. Dd is getting quite upset about all the disruption when she is trying to work. The SMT has changed recently and I don't know how much they know about each class. As it is her current teacher is probably the best so far but an NQT so a tough first gig and as the children get older they are getting more disruptive. I don't want to complain about their current teacher as I don't think it is just her problem. I have to be honest though I do think that a strict no nonsense teacher who no one messes with might make a difference. I don't have a specific teacher in mind or any to avoid, but I am concerned about the ongoing situation and next year. I am not the only parent in the class with similar concerns.

[Yarp]

This sounds like the sort of scenario where a mix-up of the classes might be helpful.

Is your school 2-form entry? Is it worth raising as a possibility?

[Smartiepants79]

I agree that a remix of the kids would be a good idea.
You are within your rights to question seriously how they plan to tackle these issues next year.
If you're very concerned I'd make an appointment to see the head. I'd try to explain your concerns without apportioning blame to any one person/persons. Then firmly ask what they will be doing to change this.
I would try not to bring up other parents and children. They are not your concern and it gets seen as being gossipy and meddling.
You could encourage others you know well to do the same thing.
I would expect the SMT to be very aware of any issues like this.

[mugglingalong]

To be honest I would secretly celebrate such a move but not sure I want to be a social pariah to suggest it and listen to the endless moans about Tarquin being separated from Jeremy for the first time since they left the hospital or the other class moaning about having friendships disrupted just because x class are all naughty.

[ChaiseLounger]

I always like a strict teacher.
Good idea on mixing them up request. That can be one of the things you talk to head about, when you have your quick chat!

[mugglingalong]

Of all the teachers the NQT has been the best! I am sure that they are aware of some of the problems although the HT only started this term. Each year we think maybe this year will be better. I have other dc in the school and with one exception the teaching has generally been great for my other dc. There are one or two disruptive children in my other dc's classes but they all seem to be contained and there is minimal impact on the other children.

[TheRealMaryMillington]

Unlike the other thread, I definitely think that you should raise your concerns with the teacher/SMT/HT.

Frame it around how the disruption is impacting on your DD, her happiness and her learning. It's not your job to think up how this could be addressed (mixing classes or different teachers). They are bound to be aware of the issue but the more clear examples of how the problem is being experienced and perceived will create a pressure to sort it out.

[soapboxqueen]

I agree with the others in that you have a legitimate concern if there is a lot of disruption and it's affecting your child's wellbeing or learning.

I wouldn't necessarily suggest methods they could employ. Rather state how the situation is affecting your child and ask that measures are put in place to ensure that. Then be tenacious in making sure it works.

[mugglingalong]

Thank you. I will go and see the HT. I don't want to be 'that parent' and she has no idea whether to expect me once a week or hardly ever. Dd says that children are always talking so she can't hear the instructions, they usually miss 3 -4 mins at break time everyday because children are messing around. They can't have water during the lessons as children mess around with it. They can't go to the toilet as children all go en mass and mess around (it isn't a problem for her but I know that others have had accidents as a result). These are both allowed in other junior classes as long as not abused. The class is split for some activities when comparable classes aren't. Not to mention the low level physical and verbal bullying. She also complains that other children in other classes tell them that their class is the naughtiest, they clearly have a bit of a reputation. Fortunately dd tends not to be a target for bullies. She is a fairly diligent student so it maybe the noise and disruption bothers her more than it would other dc who are less concerned about the 'disruption to their learning' ( her favourite phrase! )

[DeeWe]

Dd2 was in such a class (it was girl heavy but there were all the bright dominant girls and mischievous boys) and they mixed it up at the end of year 1. The other class had the quiet girls, and academically was all very much middle, no top nor nor bottom, the other class had both and not much in the middle. Actually dd2 loved it as she loved things going on. It was exciting.
The other class initially complained when told about the mix up that they "had such a nice group" but actually most of the parents looked at it by the end of the year as a good thing.

I don't like mixing them every year, or for the sake of it, but I do think there's an arguement when you have an uneven set of classes.

[TheRealMaryMillington]

Well the school obviously knows its a significant problem.

What they are not yet adequately addressing is the negative impact that it is having on children like your DD. With something like this I would have no qualms about going and being Quite Firm and clear about your expectations that something will be done. Don't dis the teachers. Don't dis the management. Just focus on your DD and explain as you have above. It's affecting her happiness, wellbeing, relationship with school and ability to learn.

If the HT asks well "what would you suggest?" then propose some mixing.

[Millymollymama]

I would also suggest they target more TA time at this class to keep the children focused. If the teacher is unable to keep all the class engaged and working, they should get more help and maybe the leadership team should pop in and observe teaching more often. That tends to get children behaving well. If there have been exclusions, it seems the school has come down quite heavily on the worst offenders but it does not seem to follow up with ensuring behaviour agreements are kept. I would expect a more proactive SLT in your situation.

[mugglingalong]

Some good ideas. I will arrange a meeting with the HT. They already have at least two TAs at all times as some dc have SN - not the disruptive ones. The TAs work with the whole class not specifically one on one. Ratio is either 1:10 or 2:15 for some activities.

[mugglingalong]

Have bitten the bullet and been to see HT. She could guess which class it was. She has a plan for changes - don't know any more but my guess would be mixing the classes. She seemed very happy that I had come along and didn't just want to brush it all under the carpet like the last HT. Will wait and see what happens. Thanks for the push, I didn't want to be 'that parent' but I felt I had to say something or risk another three and a bit years like the last three and a half.