Struggling to work with colleague already and not sure what approach to take

[Stalder]

I've been in Reception for 3 years, so while not massively experienced, I know the ropes! My partner teacher this year has just moved down from Y6.

This week has been so stressful. She has changed nearly everything without asking me and has set up things without telling me- for example, preparing special keepsakes for her class to take home on the first day. She has also arranged a whole new buddy system. Before, we had a rota of Y6s who would come in a group of 5 or 6 to help at playtime and at lunchtime. It worked well. She arranged (without telling me) for every child to have a designated Y6 buddy.

It was well meaning and I know the theory behind it, but it also meant that we had 60 extra big children to deal with in our corridor and playground, as well as in the lunchroom. The Y6s are well meaning but they overhype the littlies, and they couldn't follow simple instructions like 'take your buddy back to the same seat', so there were jackets and snacks everywhere in the lunch room. It was also far too noisy and intimidating for them. They're too small.

To top off the week, she then arranged for her class to have a paired reading session with Y6 and gave them all cakes and juice, took pictures and posted it on the school Twitter, which was the first I knew of it.

I don't know whether to message her and ask her to make time for a chat on Monday, to email her with my concerns or to just ask to speak to her on Monday morning.

[Coffeeandchocolate9]

I think a request to have a planning chat once a week starting Monday would be perfectly reasonable

[shellysheridan]

It sounds like she's rather thoughtless and isnt used to working with a year group partner. However, she also sounds enthusiastic and keen!

Sit her down and explain that she's got some lovely ideas but needs to make sure she discusses them with you first and that it's vital that both classes have the same opportunities.

[reefedsail]

I sounds like when she sorted something for the whole year group you didn't like it, then when she sorted something for just her class you didn't like it.

Who is the EYFS phase lead?

[Theoverstretchedmultitasker]

I think she just sounds a bit overenthusiastic I am sure it is meant well! But yes, meet up and have regular planning sessions. Also sounds like a lot of the things are one-offs at the start of the year so won't come up again anytime soon? I'd be pleased she's so enthusiastic considering she has just moved from year 6 good luck!