School won’t let me see his books

[Stephthegreat]

I had an appointment for parents eve last week with my ds Y3 teacher.For the past year he has been struggling with his work and I have been asking the teacher for more help for him.

The class is split year 2 and year 3 and the class teacher works with the year 2 and my ds class have an assistant. The teacher oversees this work. My ds has no confidence and is anxious about school now.

I wanted to see his exercise books last week as the teacher said ds is lazy (she said it in a more polite way)! The teacher said they don’t have a policy of putting the books out for parents any more. Ds said he often cant do the work because he doesn’t understand and puts his hand up.The assistant teacher only works with a SEN boy. Other children are like my son in the class and are sat with hands up but the parents say they don’t like to complain.

AIBU to ask the head for a meeting and have I right to see my child’s work?

Absolutely parents should be able to review their child's work to be sure that their child's education is progressing.

Have you been told why you can't see his books? Could be 'covid' related?

I think you need to know why they have said no and then challenge the head if you feel that is inappropriate reason.

For context, our Yr 3 teacher raised concerns about my sons handwriting in the Autumn. I was invited in for a meeting and saw examples of both his work and also a couple of other childrens for context. Obviously then discussed what interventions could be put in place to offer more support for him.

She has since followed up by sharing photos of improvements. If the reason is covid related, then they could share photos at worst.

Before you go to the Head, why not ask to speak to the teacher again and ask to see your son's work and discuss other concerns?

@toomuchlaundry

In the mixed year groups I know the teacher teaches the whole class

Yes absolutely this is what happens at my childs school. The teacher and TA (class TA not 1:1) take it in turn with each age group where they need to be taught separately. It seems odd that 1 year isn't having the teacher teach them at all! This seems very bad! You should definitely be able to see the books. At my childs school they have book shares every term, where you go in and see your childs work. It sounds like the teacher has something to hide. I would definitely get on to the Headteacher and consider removing your child