My dd age 4yrs 8mths goes to the village school. In her year, there are over 40 pupils so the older ones in the group have formed a class, and the younger ones (including my dd) have formed a split year group with the year below, which is quite a small year group. Consequently, although she is 'reception' age, she is still in the nursery (sorry, 'foundation unit'). We are constantly being reassured that they are being given work appropriate to their own age group. I am concerned that in practice this is not really happening. For example, my dd is a bright girl, but has never been given a reading book/reading scheme/ letter work/ number work to any extent.
Next academic year, she will move up to the main school and be taught in the reception classroom even though she will be year one, so they will have a mixed reception/year one class. This will be the case throughout primary school. I am not sure I am completely happy with this.
There has also just been a new head who seems aware of the problems and has ideas on how to tackle this issue and the rest of the schools problems (there are quite a few).
I just don't know whether to let my dd start year one and see how it goes, allowing the new head a chance to turn things round, or take dd out now and try to get her a place at a fantastic primary school in a nearby village.
Dd is very happy at school and has lots of friends who she has grown up with. I don't want to move her unless it's really necessary for the good of her education.
I just don't know what to do. Thanks if you have read this far!!!