To think that this prize giving day was far to one sided.

[mummyloveslucy]

At the end of term at my daughters nursery, they have a prize giving day. All the parents are invited and it's a big thing for them all. Every child wins at least one certificate.
I just thought that this year it was quite unfair that one particula little girl got so many. She does seem to be the "golden girl" within the class. She won one for best manners, tennis, french, behaviour and music.
My little girl who has a severe speech disorder and has to try so much harder than the others only won one for improvement in maths. I was very proud of her, but her manners are also excellent and she absoluitly loves music.
It just seemed to me that they value achievement far more than endevour.

I do sympathise - you just want the best for her and in our society it is definitely seen as 'best' to go private.

Obviously there are huge advantages to small class sizes but imo and ime for kids with SEN, state can be far better for them. Obviously it depends on the kids and the needs. But we've found ds infant teachers to be highly qualified and professional and it is genuinely about meeting ds' needs.

Good luck. I certainly think you have made a considered and thoughtful choice. Good for you.

Thank you. I'll be able to walk her to school and back too, which is a bonus.
I used to love the walks I had with my Mum on the way to school.

I often feel I don't put myself accross very well on MN. Without tone of voice etc it's not easy. (For me anyway) I couldn't believe someone thought I was a pushy parent untill I re read what I'd written. If you met me, you'd know that my only wish is for my daughter to turn into a loving, decent minded person.
Oh and to win loads of certificates along the way. (Joke!)

I think you sound lovely and I also think you're best off out of there - roll on January and yep, I agree with the others that state school is best for SN in cases like that so well done for making the move.

Mummyloveslucy - you sound like a lovely thoughtful concerned person. Just remember how the Head dealt with Lucy wetting herself and be glad she's not staying there!

It is one of the things I like least about dc's school. Fair enough if measured in absolute terms of achievement but the more subjective ones could easily be shared around. They award multiple prizes to a select few (pretty much the same 3 each year in every year group) and the others feel like also rans and as if they are makign up numbers(as do their parents attending the ceremony!). Even though dd did get one of the top ones this year ( proud mummy) it hasn't changed my previous opinion.

Does this particular child have older , high achieving siblings, several yet to join or parents who make generous financial contributions by any chance ? Be glad you are making a positive move away form that environment, otherwise it could well destroy her self confidence.

Its a good thing they do French surely, though agree it shouldnt be formal.

They have these classes at my DS's nursery from rising threes up...it is v. playful with songs and puppets and my dds loves it.

french for fidgets

Singing songs in French is fine - giving a prize for French to nursery age children is bonkers. IMHO.

Thanks everyone. I know I'm making the right decision about the school. I said to her when they broke up, "You've got no school now for a long time" and she said "yippee" then I said "and no Stagecoach" and she said "Oh" sadly.
They do learn french in a fun way at the nursery, they pick it up really well at this age too. Lucy can count to 10 in french and say hello, how are you.