What do you really think about deferring summer born children without sen or obvious extra needs? - I think it depends on the child. As a general rule, I don't think they need it unless they're particular young summer borns. My brother was born on the 29th August. Young, left handed, summer born boy. He was also diagnosed as dyslexic when he was older. He really struggled and deferring would have been great for him (not that it was allowed back then!)
Can you tell if parents are making up the entries in the reading diaries/ do you care? - you can in Reception as they tell you!! "Oo James you read 'Cat Naps' with mummy last night."
"No we didn't, mummy was out with Daddy so didn't have time."
Do you know if any of the children in your class are children in need or on the child protection register? If you do, is that because you’re told officially or because you can tell as you’re having to write extra reports on them or something?
We are told if they are by the safeguarding lead etc. Yes, we often have to do extra reports on their progress and general wellbeing for cp meetings.
Do you have expectations of what younger siblings will be like if you’ve had an older one? Do you compare them, or not even think about the other one(s)? - I do think about them when they first come as it's a nice link between us and the child. They usually remember coming in everyday with their big brother or sister so already know us which helps.
I don't compare them though..I have rarely taught siblings that are exactly the same. Once they're in school I don't think about it at all. They're their own person and whatever their sibling was or wasn't like is a long distant memory!