Not sure what (if anything) I should do about the different teachers in DD's class

[FrockHorror]

DD has been attending reception now for 6 weeks. For the first three, the teacher we were told the children were going to have was there everyday, all day. Now, over the last three weeks, she hardly ever seems to be in the classroom for the whole day. On picking DD up from school, there are random teachers and nobody knows why they are there or even who they are.

I have no problem with different teachers as such, I just find it a bit worrying that for a group of children who have literally just started school in the last month or so, there seems to be inconsistencies among the teaching staff. If I am honest, I don't like it although I accept that teachers have other duties outside of the classroom.

Should I do anything about it? You know, maybe a letter to the school asking what is happening? I know I'm not the only parent bothered by this, as one of the other mothers today mentioned it to me and a couple of other parents.

[LadyMuck]

A letter is far too formal. Just ask the teacher at the start of the day. It may well be that the teacher is called out to a mtg at the end of the day and there is simply another teacher releasing the children.

[policywonk]

Have a word with the regular teacher - maybe speak to her at the beginning of the day and ask for an appointment, so that you can have a proper chat. You're perfectly entitled to know what's going on.

IME, things can be a bit more fluid in the classroom than they were when I was at school. DS1's Reception teacher was head of year, head of a couple of subjects and a specialist in SN teaching, so she was constantly being called away for meetings while other teachers stood in. Now he's in Year 1, and at least twice a week when I go to collect him, it's someone other than his class teacher letting him out. I hardly even register it these days...

[GrapefruitMoon]

I think teachers are allowed a half day for preparation each week and a supply teacher usually teaches the class at that time. A good school/teacher should write to you at the start of the school year explaining what the arrangements are for such days (we are lucky in that they have "regular" supply teachers so it is usually the same one each week...) Or the teacher might be working part-time and for some reason they haven't got a permanent job-share sorted out? or maybe she is ill? I wouldn't write a letter, I would speak to the school secretary to see what she knows first, then ask for a quick word with the head if she doesn't know anything. Maybe suggest that if the situation carries on they should write to parents to explain?

[julesrose]

Is there a class rep that could go to the head and express the parents concerns / get clarification?

[Bettyboobird]

Following on from what Waswondering has said- the school where I was a TA, in our YR 1 there were 3 teachers working over 2 classes (one was the KS1 coordinator), we had a student teaching, 2 TAs and 4 P/T LSAs, and also specialist music, drama, French and dance teachers- so that was a LOT of adults milling around! But the children were very used to their timetable and routine, and were very happy and confident with the set up. The class will have a teacher in charge (the one who has been there in the mornings), so she should be your first port of call if you have any questions. I'm sure she'll be happy to explain!

[Smithagain]

Ask the teacher - and ask your child whether it bothers them. My daughter's reception teacher also had a management role, as well as her own preparation time, so she was out of the classroom for at least two half day per week.

But the TA was always there and the substitute teachers were drawn from a fairly small pool, so the children still got to know them.

Sometimes there were also students, extra TAs or parent helpers.

Didn't seem to faze the kids at all. They still knew who "their" teacher was and seemed to quite like the variety.

[Romy7]

our school has 2 teachers and 4 LSAs in yr R, plus a french and music teacher. all let the kids out at one point or another - plus another two teachers who cover non-contact time. the kids probably know who they all are and are quite happy - it's only the mums who don't know who/ what is going on...