Reception child going into pre school?

[Buzlightyear1]

Hi so I would appreciate any help. My son started school this September at first he was a little upset so school let him join the pre school for certain times when he was upset as his class is big and he was not having a easy time.

Since this hes now gone into class at his own request, all good but then the teacher has said hes behind the other kids in class so they put him back In to pre school for some time to catch up on what he missed. He kind of goes between the two classes. I'm more than happy to support him in anyway and I do letter forming and phonics at home. The trouble is I heard the pre school staff chatting about how hes always heading up to there class now. They didn't seam happy about it I felt uncomfortable im not sure what to do ? Hes had other kids telling him hes not allowed to play as hes not in the right class I feel its getting a problem as he isn't fitting in with kids from his class or pre school, and the teacher from both class do t seam to want him. I can't change school thats not a option. Don't know what to do

Ring or email the school and ask for a meeting with his keyworker, he's on the EYFS (early years) curriculum so there should be a named member of staff responsible for monitoring his progress. It might also be worthwhile asking for the SENCO to sit in on the meeting as it sounds like he has an identified need for support to help him catch up to his peers.

Ask them exactly what the situation is right now - which class is he in vs which one should he be in, how much time is he spending in each classroom, what support is he currently being given to help get him into the right classroom and keep him there, what is the plan moving forwards and what are they doing to give him the help he needs. Tell them you want a written support plan with realistic targets to help him progress (e.g., spend all day in his own class, join in with group activities, etc) details of what support will be given to help him achieve that target, and how his progress will be monitored.

The onus is on them to make sure he is in the right classroom, that he is properly supported, and that he is able to access the same opportunities as his peers. Right now they're not fulfilling that responsibility so push them on it.

Thank you so much, hes my first so I don't have a clue. I'm going to do that now. I just don't want him left behind and not knowing where he should be. Thank you so much.

That sounds like very poor management by the school . I think I'd be wondering if there was an alternative school he could switch to .

I wouldnt be happy with this if he needs more support in reception, than school should be looking at ways to support this within the classroom, i agree calla meeting and ask the SENCO to attend, i have child in a special school, so im quite well versed in where to get support who to turn to, etc but in the first instance, a meeting should be made to see what their plan is.

Im surprised as at this stage in year my dc school hadnt really done my phonics or writing for a child to be behind on?
Do they pre teach a lot in preschool able nd did he go ?
Is his behaviour ok?

He only attended there pre school bit for a couple of months before September. He loved it and no one ever mentioned him being behind. They seamed to do a lot of playing and hands on learning at pre school which he enjoyed. Now at school its more writing and copying letters and words, and phonics. He has not behaviour issues that I'm aware off , the first week he was a little upset at going so cried a bit in class but I also saw other children crying to and he has since settled down.

It doesnt sound like he would catch up then in preschool.
Is he a young one?

I think you need to ask him to stay in reception class (unless you actually change class), as it will be confusing and not help friendships.

Thank you so much I will.make a appointment to speak to the teacher. To discuss this and bring uo the points you have made. I wasn't sure if I was worrying over nothing, but sounds like I should say something. I don't want him confused and left out for no reason. I will ask what more I can do to help him at home to as I definitely want to support the school. Ijust don't want my little one in-between the two classes and not really getting anywhere. Thank you

OP I think at this stage your child's emotional growth and well being are more important than academic progress .

Hearing the pre school staff chatting about him in a negative way and other children telling him he can't play with them because he's in the wrong class is appalling . Staff need to sort these two issues out .

I cannot see how bouncing between two classes is going to have anything but a negative effect .

TBH my heart just sinks reading your posts and I can just imagine ( on the basis of how this school is behaving ) what their response to you is going to be .Loads of "it's quite usual for children in reception to spend time back in pre school " " we'll waiting until half term and reassess the situation " .

Don't be intimidated ( well,pretend not to be ) by them ,stress that the other children are picking up on his peripatetic school day . Explain that you think the first thing to achieve is him being happy and settled in one class and developing good relationships with his peers.

Ask that they let staff know there is a problem at playtime and to keep an eye ,intervening when necessary if it seems that he is being excluded .
Ask them what areas he is behind in and if they could give you something as a guideline to work with him at home .

Could you take anyone with you if /when you meet with school staff ? An extra pair of ears can be very helpful .