When my DD started school 5 years ago, we were given a list at christmas of the first names of all those who were in her class for them to write christmas cards if they wanted to. DD could probably have told me the names but it was helpful for me to check that she hadn't left anyone out. Once in year 1 they weren't given a list anymore but it didn't matter as DD then knew everybody's first and last names and which of the 2 classes in her year they were in.
DS1 started school last year and again was given a list. Amazingly helpful for me as DS1 is developmentally delayed and knew very few first names of those in his class at that point let alone which class they were in. And had absolutely no chance of knowing any second names in cases of duplicate names.
This year as usual they have mixed the 2 classes up and I know there are a few new starters this year. DS1 now knows lots of names of those in his year but can't always tell me which of the classes they are in.
The school obviously know about his problems as we are in the middle of getting him some help at school so I went in to ask if I could have a list of first names of those in his class so that I didn't have to write cards for 50+ kids (both classes) and so I didn't leave anyone out.
I was told that they could not do this and wouldn't be doing it for reception kids either this year as it was against data protection.
I am fully behind confidentiality etc but I am unsure of what this is actually for. Most kids in year 1 know what everyones first and last names are anyway, my DD certainly did. Both of my kids actually share their names with someone else in their year and are always called their full name by all the other children, usually at the top of their voice across the playground.
AIBU to think this is the world gone mad or am I not seeing the full picture.