Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

How to handle DD6 possible learning difficulties and DH attitude towards the whole thing ? Who’s right and who’s wrong ?

64 replies

jahb · 28/02/2026 10:30

The school have mentioned my just turned 6 year 1 DD may have some attention issues that are creating a barrier to her learning. She’s at a private school.

anyhow, they want to explore further by having her observed by the senco. All fine.

she’s doing OK in phonics and is expected there. Her maths score is 96 and her English score is also 96.

the teachers don’t want her to fall properly behind and thinks she just can’t focus and it’s creating a barrier for her learning.

my DH thinks everyone just wants to label every e and she is only 6 and might improve when she matures in a few months.

we don’t have the outcome or the senco observation yet, so I guess we will see then.

can anyone share experiences here with their child going through something similar and the other parent just thinking the concerns aren’t valid etc ? I’m sure my DD will be fine no matter what the outcome and I definitely support her not falling behind.

I am looking at tutoring for her to help her as well, in the meantime.

thanks for reading.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
jahb · 25/03/2026 19:18

Update: she’s been observed by senco now and they’re going to put a few more strategies in place.

we have jointly identified that it’s particularly the classroom setting that makes it hard for her to retain information.

they were really lovely. My H is on board.

OP posts:
Jesuismartin · 28/02/2026 14:40

JustMarriedBecca · 28/02/2026 14:37

History - so Romans, Eyptians, Greeks.
Planets and Science
Coding and physics

She was in a class with 12 girls who were in to Unicorns and Sparkles. And a class teacher who was mad into horses and used to dress her horse up as a unicorn.

You know when you think, these are not my people....

Hahaha. A teacher into unicorns too. Your DD sounds fab.

Losingtheplot2016 · 28/02/2026 14:39

jahb · 28/02/2026 10:30

The school have mentioned my just turned 6 year 1 DD may have some attention issues that are creating a barrier to her learning. She’s at a private school.

anyhow, they want to explore further by having her observed by the senco. All fine.

she’s doing OK in phonics and is expected there. Her maths score is 96 and her English score is also 96.

the teachers don’t want her to fall properly behind and thinks she just can’t focus and it’s creating a barrier for her learning.

my DH thinks everyone just wants to label every e and she is only 6 and might improve when she matures in a few months.

we don’t have the outcome or the senco observation yet, so I guess we will see then.

can anyone share experiences here with their child going through something similar and the other parent just thinking the concerns aren’t valid etc ? I’m sure my DD will be fine no matter what the outcome and I definitely support her not falling behind.

I am looking at tutoring for her to help her as well, in the meantime.

thanks for reading.

My daughter is now 15 but I wish she’d have had someone this attentive when she was 6. She was largely ignored by her teachers as she was pretty compliant.
She complained about her attention difficulties starting about age 6/7 but I trusted the teachers to say if there was an issue. She was assessed with having dyslexia in yr7 and adhd in yr10.
My niece was assessed to have dyslexia at 7. She’s had a tutor for help around reading and now actually reads books. My daughter hates reading! She’s never read a book. I think if she’d have had my nieces support things would have been different and her entire path through school could have been much easier .
Tutors for youngsters know how to make learning fun so I wouldn’t be concerned about tutoring

JustMarriedBecca · 28/02/2026 14:37

Jesuismartin · 28/02/2026 11:24

What was her interest? Hard isn’t it because we all generally surround ourselves with people similar to us!

History - so Romans, Eyptians, Greeks.
Planets and Science
Coding and physics

She was in a class with 12 girls who were in to Unicorns and Sparkles. And a class teacher who was mad into horses and used to dress her horse up as a unicorn.

You know when you think, these are not my people....

jahb · 28/02/2026 14:25

for what it’s worth. This is a 3-18 school. I chose it precisely for the reason that it’s more of an all round school with good pastoral care. There are plenty of other prep schools around here that are super competitive and very academically focused. I wanted my kids to be in a good all round environment because I think if they’re happy, they’ll do well. I liked the idea that they could go on to secondary school within the same school too etc.

so I guess what I’m saying is, that I did believe the school to be inclusive.

so there’s a few assumptions we could take - one is that they’re already trying to mange us out of the school.

or we could assume that they’re really super attentive and want to help my DD and understand her learning profile as soon as possible to help her succeed.

or it could be that they have such high standards that even falling slightly below them, prompts intervention and this will continue throughout school.

i just don’t know. All I can say is that she’s very happy there. And I’m sad for her if they’re trying to manage her out already.

OP posts:
Missj25 · 28/02/2026 14:18

jahb · 28/02/2026 13:55

@Missj25haha I understand now why that poster thought I have 5 kids. No definitely not. I have 2 and that’s more than enough.

my DD has a younger brother, who will start school this year.

I have 6 wonderful children 🙌 😊.
4 girls , 2 boys.
My eldest is 32 in March , living In Australia .
I miss her a lot. Had her quite young , I’m 50 now .I have boy & girl 24 year old twins .
21 year old boy next, & 2 girls 18 & 15 .
I always wanted a big family.
We are all very close ☺️.

Don’t worry about your little lady OP , I agree with your husband, give her more time x

jahb · 28/02/2026 14:17

@JoanOgdenit’a a catch 22. How would she be doing in state school with 30 kids ? Worse or better ? Who knows ? Would a state school even flag a child like her at this point for not being at ‘ expected ‘ level. Is she being flagged because she’s clearly struggling or is she being flagged because she’s not meeting THEIR expected standards ? Is she being flagged because they’re more attentive because they have a smaller class and therefore she’ll get help with her ‘ barriers to learning ‘ earlier to make sure we know how to help her ? I honestly don’t have the answers at all and I’m just very confused.

OP posts:
JoanOgden · 28/02/2026 14:08

jahb · 28/02/2026 12:30

What does it say exactly ?

It says that you may not be getting from the school what you are paying for.

(Your DD sounds like a lovely child.)

BettyBoh · 28/02/2026 13:58

Missj25 · 28/02/2026 13:53

She doesn’t have 5 siblings 😂 😂
DD6 is dear daughter aged 6 ! 😊

Oh my goodness. I see now. 😮

jahb · 28/02/2026 13:55

@Missj25haha I understand now why that poster thought I have 5 kids. No definitely not. I have 2 and that’s more than enough.

my DD has a younger brother, who will start school this year.

OP posts:
Missj25 · 28/02/2026 13:53

BettyBoh · 28/02/2026 10:58

How old are her 5 siblings? And how are they doing academically? Any signs of ADHD in the rest of the family (including parents)?
this is all very early to be worrying about academics. In Northern Europe some kids haven’t even started school yet.

are academics important to you? Some people are content to see their kids apply themselves, be happy and be creative.

She doesn’t have 5 siblings 😂 😂
DD6 is dear daughter aged 6 ! 😊

jahb · 28/02/2026 13:53

MargeryBargery · 28/02/2026 13:44

Thirty five years teaching Primary School.

You should tell your husband that if her teachers have concerns then he needs to listen to them.

We've got FAR too much to do without wasting our time labelling children just for the sake of it. That's a ridiculous take.

I agree with you. Unless it’s the whole ‘ we don’t want kids like this in private school ‘ thing. So let’s start managing this one out. Hopefully not.

OP posts:
MargeryBargery · 28/02/2026 13:44

Thirty five years teaching Primary School.

You should tell your husband that if her teachers have concerns then he needs to listen to them.

We've got FAR too much to do without wasting our time labelling children just for the sake of it. That's a ridiculous take.

DeQuin · 28/02/2026 13:40

DS reception teacher said she felt he may be ND / had a few things to look out for. DH wouldn’t hear of it and dead set against diagnosis. Was diagnosed at 17 when it all went south in the run up to A levels. Doing ok again now but an earlier diagnosis would have been helpful. Keep listening to what teachers are saying, don’t let DH stop her from being assessed if/when that becomes an appropriate next step. Diagnoses allow easier access to appropriate support and it is up to the individual if / when / where to share.

jahb · 28/02/2026 13:28

CharlotteCChapel · 28/02/2026 11:26

My dad was a teacher and he always said the worst parents were the ones who wouldn't accept the fact that their child was average. They'd put so much pressure on the children to do better.

What are you trying to say ?

OP posts:
lessglittermoremud · 28/02/2026 12:53

jahb · 28/02/2026 12:41

@lessglittermoremudmy DD is so sweet. She’s really confident and engaged. People always think she’s smart. She’s the kind of child who says hello to all the mums / everyone and has done since nursery. She’s very creative and that’s why she enjoys writing stories ( but doesn’t spell well ). She has lots of friends and is polite and doesn’t disrupt class. She loves learning and she loves going to school.

the teachers say they don’t want any of this to change. Which is why they want to see how they can best support her.

I would just let them observe her in class and see what they say.
I wouldn’t at this stage be falling down a rabbit hole worrying about learning difficulties, extra tutoring etc.
All children are different, my eldest is in a mainstream secondary, the second one is on course to head to Grammar school as was his wish and my little one is nowhere near the age where anyone should be looking at him and making decisions about what may be an issue.
He has moved up 3 phonics groups in the last 4 months after not having any interest in it in reception. His teachers in reception weren’t worried, he’s a summer born boy as is our eldest. Year 3 is when things usually start to even out a little and if she’s behind then, struggling to focus on class then I would be looking into it more as a parent.

Araminta1003 · 28/02/2026 12:46

The fact the school wants to help and address and has picked up she is bright and eager is fantastic! With dyslexia they often just cannot understand or process the questions or put pen to paper but it’s all up their in their understanding. Read to her as much as possible and also audio books are great. But primarily adapted resources are a game changer.

jahb · 28/02/2026 12:43

her art teacher says she’s incredible in art lessons and just comes alive apparently and is very confident. Lots of ideas.

she also loves to dance. She has a natural thing for moving her body to music. Not trying to be a show off, just showing the rest of her personality. But I’m aware lots of 6 year old girls are like this !

OP posts:
Araminta1003 · 28/02/2026 12:43

Let them observe her. If she ends up being eg dyslexic/dyspraxic get a tutor specialised in that who can then also guide you all with adapted resources. If there are issues, the earlier the intervention the better. You say she loves learning which is great! Keep it that way and keep encouraging and praising and make sure to never ever discuss any difficulties within her earshot.

jahb · 28/02/2026 12:41

@lessglittermoremudmy DD is so sweet. She’s really confident and engaged. People always think she’s smart. She’s the kind of child who says hello to all the mums / everyone and has done since nursery. She’s very creative and that’s why she enjoys writing stories ( but doesn’t spell well ). She has lots of friends and is polite and doesn’t disrupt class. She loves learning and she loves going to school.

the teachers say they don’t want any of this to change. Which is why they want to see how they can best support her.

OP posts:
lessglittermoremud · 28/02/2026 12:36

jahb · 28/02/2026 12:24

yeah the school are framing it like ‘ she’s not where we expect her to be’ and ‘ we think there could be a reason, her lack of focus.’

I did ask, if she’s below their standard or below the standard of 6 year olds in general and they said ‘ nmmhhh, in maths we think she might actually be slightly below kids her age in general ‘…

sounds to me like she’s below THEIR standards. Even though like I said, I know kids who cannot read as well as her that are not being considered for SEN. So in her case I think they really think it’s her lack of focus.

anyway, if it does turn out to be just their standards, I will take her out and my son as well. Who’s going to start reception this year. I chose the school because of their focus on the whole child rather than just academics.

They might a little further down the line say that they don’t think they are the right fit for her and ask you to look into alternative places.
If they do it says more about them than your daughter…. It’s very sad that they can look at a little girl and bring to you concerns that actually don’t sound like a problem.
I’m all for children who need help getting it, my eldest is Autistic and struggled so much in primary school socially and academically.
We paid privately to have him assessed because he was falling apart at the seams by year 5, but the school didn’t see it and he managed to keep it together until he got home.
Your daughter is 6, I’m guessing year 1 which is the same year as our little one.
If she’s happy, polite, can take turns, as is roughly where she should be academically give or take a level I honestly would focus forest school type hobbies etc outside of school rather than tutoring. Mine loves a good forage and run around in the woods which personally I think is far more important at the age of 6 then sitting perfectly in class and being a perfect reader.

Njbnnn · 28/02/2026 12:34

I don’t have any specific advice regarding your OP, however, my 6‑year‑old who is in Year One was having attention difficulties, so we had her assessed in October and she received a diagnosis. An Educational Psychologist observed her a month later and confirmed that small class sizes are an essential part of her disability-related needs.We’re now at the draft stage of her EHCP, and the local authority will be taking over funding for her education in the next few weeks. Our LA is happy to fund private school places as the fees for specialist schools in our area cost significantly more.

jahb · 28/02/2026 12:30

JoanOgden · 28/02/2026 12:30

It really says something that despite you spending a lot of money on school fees, presumably for the value of smaller classes and more individual attention, you are now spending even more money on a tutor because you don't trust the school to understand your daughter's specific issues and what she needs.

What does it say exactly ?

OP posts:
JoanOgden · 28/02/2026 12:30

It really says something that despite you spending a lot of money on school fees, presumably for the value of smaller classes and more individual attention, you are now spending even more money on a tutor because you don't trust the school to understand your daughter's specific issues and what she needs.

jahb · 28/02/2026 12:24

lessglittermoremud · 28/02/2026 12:15

Her scores are average and many 6 year olds are fidgety, my youngest is 6 in a couple of months and he can’t sit still for long periods of time either.
I suspect because she is at private school they are more concerned then they would be at a mainstream school because if she isn’t super excelling, they feel it reflects badly on them.
I have nieces/nephews that attend private school and there does seem to be some hyper focusing on achievement from a young age, I certainly wouldn’t get told that there were concerns about learning at my sons school if he was scoring the same as your daughter.
In a recent parents evening I was told my son was slightly behind, he goes to a booster club once a week and we make sure we do his reading etc every day.
The school emphasised how positive he was about being in school, what a great friend he was and how he was resilient about tasks he finds tricky, which tbh is what schools should focus on at 6.
There is no point in getting her a tutor at her age, my eldest was very similar to our youngest and we didn’t get him a tutor until he was 9, for 2 x half an hour sessions in the subjects/tasks his school teacher thought he would benefit from spending extra time on.
He is now in the top 1/3 of most of his classes in secondary school and can focus and complete work well.
I would relax and let her be at the moment, if the school want to get a someone to see how she copes in the classroom then thats one thing, getting anxious about her falling behind, introducing a tutor and applying pressure is another and I’m with your DH with this one.
If your DD stats to feel sad that she is falling behind and too different to her cohort then I would question if this school in particular is the right fit for your daughter and she may feel more comfortable in a less pressurised environment.

yeah the school are framing it like ‘ she’s not where we expect her to be’ and ‘ we think there could be a reason, her lack of focus.’

I did ask, if she’s below their standard or below the standard of 6 year olds in general and they said ‘ nmmhhh, in maths we think she might actually be slightly below kids her age in general ‘…

sounds to me like she’s below THEIR standards. Even though like I said, I know kids who cannot read as well as her that are not being considered for SEN. So in her case I think they really think it’s her lack of focus.

anyway, if it does turn out to be just their standards, I will take her out and my son as well. Who’s going to start reception this year. I chose the school because of their focus on the whole child rather than just academics.

OP posts: