to let primary school know I don't like the tone of DS school report (reception class)

[dietstartstmoz]

Hi, don't know if to post this in Primary educ or not?
Anyhow, DS aged 5 got his reception report yesterday. he has achieved above all his targets, and has scored very highly on the National Framework scores. He has enjoyed his first yr at school and we are happy with the school, no probs with him.
We appreciate he is not a 'perfect' child, he is a lovely, normal boy like his peers and has things he needs to work on, but he is very bright and a happy boy.
His report is a page of teacher comments, which are just a bit bland, his achievements and what he can do well are commentated on, but then followed with a 'when he chooses, or when he likes it'. Even from the first sentence. There is just a bland, general negative tone to the report. My DH and I just feel it does not recognise his achievements and what he can do well, enough. There are lots of positives, and he can do this well and is very good at this, but there is no warmth, or any sense that the teacher knows what his likes and dislikes are, or what he is like. There are no examples of work he has done well, or struggles with, just a series of statements that could have been cut and pasted.
There is an opportunity to go in and talk to the teacher about the national framework scales tmorrow, but both of us are at work (DH going to see if he can go but unlikely).
There is a reply page for comments, and I originally wasn't going to reply, but this mmorning I asked a mum whose DS is in the same class about his report (she said she was quite pleased), I started to explain about how I felt and another parent, a complete stranger stopped me and said his son's was the same-negative-and he not happy, his DS is in Yr1. So now don't know if it's the schools general style, or just those teachers.
I have seen my friends DD's reception report and hers is lovely, with lots of references to what she enjoys doing in class, and what she does well and a lovely teacher comment saying how much she has enjoyed blah blah and how she has made her laugh with her funny stories about her dog, so showing that she knows that child and her personality.
AIBU and a precious mother about my DS, or should i tell them I think his achievements and what he does well should be celebrated more, and then give points for development?
Comments welcome cos don't know what to do, don't wants to come across as a puchy mom, as i'm not but just feel the report is typical of the teacher and her personality and style.

[nancydrewrocks]

Agree entirely lucky use of the phrases "when he likes it" or "when he chooses" are extremely informative.

What you now choose to do with that information is up to you but I would suggest that going to see the teacher and criticising her for being "bland" might just get you more than you bargained for.

[dorie]

Most school reports are factual reports, aimed at letting parents know what "work" their child has been doing this year. All rather dull if you ask me.

The best bits are the teacher's and Headteacher's personal statement. These are the bits that tell you most about how the teachers see your child - whether s/he is really the little darling parents percieve them to be, or generally a pain in the arse and - quite frankly I wish s/he wasn't in my class

OP were the personal statements bland and impersonal? Or just the factual stuff that most parents don't bother to read?

[SomeGuy]

FFS

[annatee]

As a secondary teacher I have been very frustrated this year having to 'sign' my name to reports that have required me to select statements from a (bland) list, for fear that I can't spell, change the students' names from report to report or articulate myself in any way without the help of my managers. Am leaving that school but still rankles as used to be proud of and praised for personal and warm reports. Probably same at your son's school - maybe if enough parents express this to SLT they might revert back to allowing teachers some freedom to report on their classes!

[amelem]

Just got my dd reception year report and agree with dorie that the most interesting bits are the personal statements. Def think that the rest is just a cut and paste job.

[majafa]

Well said annatee,
How did teachers cope years ago when there were no such things as computers?

[dorie]

The thing is with these computer written reports is that, apart from the personal statements, every child in the class will have exactly the same report.

EG Many times in my DS report he has been referred to as "she" or "her". Blatently obvious that his report has been cut and pasted!

[dietstartstmoz]

There isn't really any personal comments, the teacher makes reference to DS and his reading, writing, maths but in the 'bank of phrases' way. The comment at the bottom says 'I wish DS a happy and successful Yr1 and will be happy to see him progress further'. No other comments from teacher/headteacher, that's it. I will get over myself, but still a bit disappointed that's it's so general. Have been to all parents evening so have had feedback on his progress but still thought it would be nice to have a summary of his first yr at school, that is about him.

[char3mum]

YRNBU we leave our children with these people the report should be personal, helpful and constructive,with comments on how to improve "when he feels like it?"""" isn't that more a reflection on teaching style than your child??

[dorie]

dietstart no wonder you are miffed! DS had an A4 sheet of paper of really nice, but realistic, personal comments from his class teacher and head teacher.

I would ask your DS teacher if there is any problem with your DS behaviour and presentation in school. When teacher says "No problem", that is your opportunity to say "Oh I thought there may be a problem as you have made no personal remarks about him on his report. BTW can you tell me what he is like in class, is he mixing well ........."

[mumbar]

Hate to say it but they will tell you anyhow whether they write it or not.

DS had similar in yr R always the negatives even his report said near to age expectations (ok tho for aug baby). He got all 6's and 7's

Yr 1 report said good progress in all areas (writing national average and reading/maths above national average) and at parents evening they told me he didn't concentrate did this and that. I asked teacher how then he had gone from below average to above national average if he didn't work etc. She told me it was only sometimes etc and it turned out it was 2 weeks which was before he was diagnosed with hayfever. (He was generally off the wall for these 2 weeks).

I think complaining would be wrong as they'll label you a precious mum which won't help your ds but I do think you need clarification about what they mean.

AND yes reports do vary from school to school. DS has made as much progress points scale etc wise as friends dd and her report says excellent progress above whats expected and ds says good and pleasing.

Best of luck