DS at expected level Y2 now below already in Y3

[Lndnmummy]

Hi, posting about ds who has just started Y3. I spoke to his teacher as we are concerned about handwriting and literacy (didn’t pass SATs) and was below + in Y2. Everything else was expected.

She said that he was now below in all areas, I don’t understand as he has just started Y3. To clarify, this is not one of the my ds is so advanced but the school doesn’t realise posts. He IS struggling and I’m fighting tooth and nail for him. He is on the waiting list for OT. I’m pretty sure that there is ADHD and or dyslexia as well. I’m saving up for a private assessment. Y2 was a write off as teacher said he was just lazy. I bet he is trying harder than anyone else in the class. But. He isn’t coping with the work.
I understand the pressure on recourses. I’m not asking the school to magic it at away. I just want an acknowledgement that he has an issue so that he doesn’t get shouted out, kept in at break times etc for his poor handwriting.
I feel like I’m doing this blind. He IS behind, reading level purple despite reading every night and ya reading to him. The writing is impacting everything else ie he knows his timetables but doesn’t pass the weekly tests as he can’t finish it in the 3 minutes. Ditto spelling.

He has now developed nervous ticks and is anxious most of the time. It breaks my heart.
Any advice? Any senco tutors in SE London that can help me?

[Awkward1]

I wonder if that is against the xmas yr 3 objectives.
I think the so many maths q in x amount of time can be challenging even if no handwriting problems.
Does he complete it verbally with you?
Spelling tests and maths should actually be good for speeding up.

[JimmyGrimble]

Y3 teacher here. All my children are now Y3 below as we are assessing against end of year objectives. I’m a bit confused ... title says he was EXP year 2 but then you say he failed his SATs?

[admission]

You need to get some clarity from the teacher about exactly what they mean. Every child will be below expected level at this time of the year against the expectations for a year 3 child.
However given what you say in your post this seems to be more of an issue and I think you need to get an explanation from the teacher as to how he was assessed as expected but is now below. Is that the current teacher being far more realistic about your son's capabilities and most importantly having been assessed as being below expectations what are they doing about it. If you are able to see that reading and writing are an issue for him, then surely the school should be able to see the same issues. They should be doing something to get him back on track.

[Lndnmummy]

Thanks for responding and clarifying. He passed SATs English and Maths but not writing so met end of Y2 expected standards in all areas but not in writing. Jimmy, that makes so much sense! Thank you for clarifying. Writing is an issue as are other fine motor skills. We do lots and lots of activities at home to help. Obviously I’m not qualified to diagnose but it seems like there is def something more to it then simply motor skills. His working memory is poor, his concentration is dreadful (has to have moving cushion on carpet). He is very loud and fidgets all the time. Great at sports like running, swimming and boxing. Struggles with football.
I guess my concern is that I have no idea what “it” is. It could be simply dcd, or a combination of other things. We saw a handwriting tutor a few times and she very abruptly said he is dyslexic and has adhd.
He verbal comprehension and reasoning is way and beyond anything he can read and or put down on paper. He loves stories and books, just not reading them himself.
I hate that he feels so low about himself, he is gorgeous, bright, funny, so loving. No social problem, never has had any. Makes and keeps friends easy, everywhere he goes. I just don’t know how to help him.

[JimmyGrimble]

I would definitely contact your SENCO - it sounds like something specific . There is no reliable screening available for dyslexia until the age of 7 - 8 so now would be the time to get them to investigate. I've seen poor concentration, fidgetiness, poor memory and poor organisation in children with dyspraxia too (including my own child)
He passed the reading test (which is quite hard) so there's no reason to think dyslexia automatically. Try not to worry. My boy is now at university and still has the most awful handwriting I've ever seen.

[CripsSandwiches]

You poor thing that sounds awful. I would try and establish a good relationship with his teacher - if he's being kept in at break (which is an awful practise especially if he does turn out to have ADHD) offer to do the work with him at the weekend instead. Make sure he/she knows that DS is working incredibly hard and is feeling disheartened.

I'd also second the advice to seek clarification about how exactly he is behind (behind with respect to what?).

Have you spoken to the school senco? I would insist on a meeting. Good luck OP.