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Original poster

How would you expect to hear that your child was being moved down a set?

55 replies

JenaiMorris · 05/10/2013 16:54

Just that really. I'm trying to decide if I'm BU. Will stop by a little later to explain more (an at a sporting event with dodgy 3G!).

OP posts:
tiggytape · 05/10/2013 22:32

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Blu · 05/10/2013 21:52

There has been a bit of a re-shuffle at DS's school at the start of Yr 8 - some setting within the streaming across some subjects. Parents haven't been told at all afaik (though DS hasn't been moved), but I expect there will be an explanation at Parents Evening, or people can ask.

I wouldn't make a big deal of 'which set', only of is the work appropriate, is DS doing well, as well as he should be, better or worse!

Arisbottle · 05/10/2013 21:40

A phonecall followed up by a letter.

teacherandguideleader · 05/10/2013 21:36

I think sometimes it is best to keep it informal to minimise the anxiety that can be caused by setting. For example, if a child moved down then a letter home could really knock their confidence which will only make the situation worse. I don't really agree with setting, but the idea is that it should be for children to receive teaching at the best level for them. I think making too much of what set a child is in can cause no end of problems.

Magrug · 05/10/2013 21:25

I received an email from the HoD when my DC was moved down a set for Maths between Y9/Y10. I thought it was a bit overkill, but I know they have had issues in the past with some parents being horrified that their little darling isn't top of the year group, so they go for the diplomatic, personal touch to soften the blow. I replied that it was the right decision - I am sure it was as I trust their judgement.

moldingsunbeams · 05/10/2013 20:52

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tiggytape · 05/10/2013 20:48

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TeenAndTween · 05/10/2013 20:38

Via my child.
I know the sets because its on her timetable eg 9Fr4 - year 9 French set4.

kitchendiner · 05/10/2013 19:55

DS told me BUT it's been very motivating and has been a rocket up his . His grades (science) have now gone back up, and he will be back up at the next reshuffle. So, going down was actually a good thing!

ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 05/10/2013 19:42

Between school years (e.g. moving from Year 8 to 9) i wouldn't expect a school to inform parents. It's just one of those things that happens iyswim. If it was during the school year then every school I have worked in has moved up sets without notifying parents, but sent a letter home or phoned if a child is moving down.

lljkk · 05/10/2013 19:38

hmmm I think kids are sometimes the last ones to have a true clue which set they are really in. Can't tell you how many times DC have over- or under-estimated their own abilities. At all ages.

balia · 05/10/2013 18:59

We have a standard letter that I would send home if I thought the child might not be reliable, or if it was the result of an issue that I'd already talked to the parent about. But generally I'd rely on the child, most are very good and can explain the reasons perfectly well at secondary age.

cory · 05/10/2013 18:51

in secondary school via the child, and wouldn't expect any other communication re original set either, except perhaps at regular parents evenings three times a year

unless, as Random mentions, if there were serious learning difficulties

Coconutty · 05/10/2013 18:36

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lljkk · 05/10/2013 18:33

Wait, do you guys already know which set your DC are in, I mean did the school inform you in some way?

VBisme · 05/10/2013 17:56

From the child in secondary school.

BoundandRebound · 05/10/2013 17:55

We don't inform parents of sets

TheWoollybacksWife · 05/10/2013 17:54

Via the child then school follow it up with a letter giving a bit more detail.

NoComet · 05/10/2013 17:48

Via the child and they don't get told in advance, just given that years time table.

Only exception was a letter about MFL groups, because they have had a massive reorganisation.

RandomMess · 05/10/2013 17:33

Via my child unless it was to a very bottom set indicating that there was a serious education issue and needed help.

JohnnyUtah · 05/10/2013 17:31

Via my child.

noblegiraffe · 05/10/2013 17:25

In my dept we have a standard letter which we hand to the pupil to give to their parents. There is a slip to return to say that the parent has received it, but realistically this will never be chased up.

lljkk · 05/10/2013 17:25

It kind of depends on the kid. Dd would probably know & care so tell me. DSs might not realise, & wouldn't care, so wouldn't tell me & neither would anyone else.

titchy · 05/10/2013 17:24

Agree via child. Sets tend to be pretty fluid and kids can change on a termly basis!

ShatnersBassoon · 05/10/2013 17:21

Via the child, same as if they were moved up a set.