possible dyslexia-issues with class teacher

[anniemac123]

Hi my child is currently in year 2, she has been having some difficulties lately with spelling/reading etc I've discussed it with the class teacher and they suspect dyslexia, as do I, but nothing can be done until she reaches her 7th birthday. A couple of days ago 2 mums approached me (separately) asking if my daughter was ok, I replied with yes why? they said there children had got home from school and explained how the class teacher had ripped my daughters work up in front of the class as she had done it wrong, my daughter proceeded to cry and was apparently told by the teacher to "shut up you baby". I asked my daughter if this was true and she said yes and got very upset, I asked why she hadn't told me and she said she didn't want to get into trouble by the teacher as she new I would go into the school. I went into the school the next day and had a meeting with the safeguarding officer/teacher explained the situation and was told he would look into it. Went to a further meeting later on in the day with the safeguarding teacher and daughters class teacher. Class teacher came across as very confrontational completely denied any wrongdoing and pretty much said the other children were lying, my daughter was called into the meeting and questioned by the teachers, started crying and denied that it had happened. after leaving the meeting my daughter said that it did happen and repeated to me what the teacher had done, she wasn't aware what the other children had reported to their mums and the stories matched, I asked her why she hadn't spoken up in the meeting and she said she was scared she was going to get thrown out of the school. unsure of where to go from here any advice and input would be greatly appreciated :) sorry just to add my daughter is struggling with the work and I feel her self esteem regarding school work is low, she has said on occasions that she is stupid, obviously I have corrected her on this and am really trying to boost her up all the time

[EwanWhosearmy]

That is totally unacceptable behaviour on the part of the teacher .

The fact that 3 children have independently given the same story suggests it is true. You need to take it further. It isn't clear from your OP whether it was the Head you saw initially. If not I think that's your next call.

[Megatherium]

Completely unacceptable. To be honest, I think I would be looking at moving schools, she really can't stay in the class taught by this woman.

[ilovesushi]

How awful! You need to go back to the school and follow up on this. Your daughter should not be put on the spot again. They will just have to take your word for it. My thought is you could record you and your daughter talking about it on your phone and show them that. I think the complaints system is you go to the head first then progress it to the governors. You need to clearly state/ write that this a "complaint". If you don't specify it can get swept under the rug. Good luck!

[FreshStartTutoring]

I completely understand and empathise with the difficulty you are experiencing! It is not an exceptable action, however I know from working (as I'm a SENCO) and also personal experience as a mother of two that even though this is really bad practise, it's certainly not unheard of!!!! As stated above, you can pursue your complaint via the route outlined by your daughter's school, which is normally detailed on their website, however will this repair the relationship your child has with their class teacher? Will this make your child feel more comfortable and 'ready to learn' in her classroom? I doubt it! No one can deny that this teacher has made a terrible mistake, which you could seek retribution for, however I would instead look for solutions! Start by asking your child what would help to make them feel more comfortable in the classroom. I'm always surprised st the wisdom and maturity of the pupils I teach and regularly seek their feedback on how to move forward, which I'm sure you wish to do! Also, what would make you feel more comfortable with leaving your child in the hands of another person? Once you've thought about these questions you will then be ready and equipped to have positive solution focussed dialogue with your child's teacher, whom I'm sure is also keen to put this situation right. Let the teacher know how you both feel and wish to move FORWARD. It may not be an easy conversation, however it will remove 'blame', which only leads to defensiveness, anxiety and anger - none of which are helpful when trying to deal with a problem! Also, in reference to your child's possible Dyslexia, your school should be able (and prepared to) investigate by administering a Psychometric assessment, offering a standardised score, which will advise on your child's ability in comparison to her peers. In simple terms, are they working at age related expectations! If they identify any concerns then, 'diagnosis' or 'no diagnosis', strategies SHOULD be put in place!! Have a look on their website for an SEN Report giving you information on the aboge, which EVERY school is obliged to publish!! Good luck and stay positive!!

[Devilishpyjamas]

Whilst I agree that moving forwards is positive it should be the TEACHER reflecting on what they did and offering solutions. How can you expect an infant to do that.

I'd go back and complain. Calling your daughter into the meeting and asking her to say what happened in front d the teacher was outrageous. The school sounds clueless

[FreshStartTutoring]

It goes without saying that the teacher/school should offer solutions, which they will be more equipped and feel more empowered to do if given an insight into what outcomes the parent and child would like. Also, I'm not suggesting that the child should be the one to find the solutions, but merely allow her voice to be heard, as it is her education, feelings, life, fears, etc.that are being discussed! Her mother can discuss this with her daughter in a safe place and then take her views along to the meeting, which her daughter would obviously not have to attend. In my initial post I advised where the complaints procedure can be found, however again I ask what will be achieved by this? I am a teacher and have been in a position where my actions have been misunderstood/relayed incorrectly by a pupil to their parent, who then was unable to see the truth, which is not always black and white! In these types of situations it is only the child that ends up loosing out! I'm not saying that the child is lying, but that we're dealing with a complex situation, which needs to be dealt with in an emotionally sensitive manner. The little girl sounds as though she has already experienced enough conflict at the school, so it's time to refocus on her experience of learning. If after a solution focussed meeting the problem still exists then a new approach maybe required.

[Devilishpyjamas]

Actually in this case the teacher (or SLT) need to reflect on what happened.

At the moment the child is in a lose-lose situation.

If this happened to my child I would want them away from that teacher (unless the teacher suddenly became very reflective - which sounds unlikely). That may be most likely to happen via a complaints procedure.

[FreshStartTutoring]

In my opinion everyone needs to reflect in order to find positive outcomes for all. Life is complex! Our childrens' schooling teaches them about how to deal with how complex life is. Having the ability to place blame and get someone the sack, (which is massively unlikely) are not tools that I would like my child to put in their life survival box! However, having the emotional intelligence to be thoughtful, forgiving, understanding in order to find a good resolution are ones. Also, I just need to remind you that all your judgements are based on the evidence of a child who you do not deem to have the ability to consider a positive way forward/consider solutions, so why are you so vehemently determined to potentially ruin someone else's life based on their perception of events? Again, I'm not saying that the little girl is lying but that it's s complex issue that needs dealing with in a sensitive manner. This child needs to go back into the classroom and school at large, so let's help her to do this with peace of mind.