Putting my child in a private school

[DaisyRaine90]

Can’t be the only one who started their child in state school and had such a bad experience dealing with the head teacher that we’re putting her in private instead? I wish I’d never put her in state school at all 😔 Grew up on socialism, but damn these schools are so bad. I already moved her from state to private nursery last year and it’s happening all over again x

The teacher said “I’m lucky if I spend 10 minutes a day with DD and her learning partner because there are other children who require more of my attention. Obviously DD is very school ready but I’m sure you can appreciate that is not the case for many of the children I teach”

No bollocks, that is what she said to me.

She also said they do not have time to change them into their PE kits.

I didn’t call a parents evening, that’s when the school did them.

Even if she was spending 10 minutes a day with each child that would be over 4 hours so obviously they are not spending more time than that.

More time than that for children with additional needs.

So yes, they do not have time to teach my child. The class sizes are too big. I do not disagree with state schools I disagree with the class sizes, and the state schools that do well tend to be those with smaller class numbers and more TA’s.

I don't think any schools can afford to have their numbers under 30 now. If their PAN is lower than that they will generally have a creative combination of year groups to get them to 30 and keep hold of staffing costs.

Just move? You could probably start your DD in the independent after half term assuming they have spaces.

I hope so 😊 I want to get her settled before she starts Suzuki Violin after Christmas

& I need to feel comfortable that she is in the right setting before I start work in January 🤷‍♀️

I want to get her settled before she starts Suzuki Violin after Christmas

I can't tell if this is a really funny, self deprecating joke or not.

So do you think it WAS the handwashing (or rather not handwashing) that was holding her back? Because if it was you might have cottoned onto something important .

She also said they do not have time to change them into their PE kits.

Were you expecting the teacher to dress the children?

Phonics at one or two a week is only one aspect of learning to read. A great deal more at this age is learning language, vocabulary and its irregularities via play, interacting with other children, listening to stories and picture books. As PP have said, look at actual evidence based methods and their success rather than rely on hearsay.

What on earth does learning violin have to do with choice of school at this stage (unless she is some kind of child prodigy)?

She's very old to be only starting Suzuki. Why haven't you supported her striving ambition before this, you slacker?

Not joking. She is a bit late to start actually normally at age 3 😂 I understand why that might be funny to some people but 🤷‍♀️ If she hates it she can do a term. But she’s actively been interested in playing the violin since she was a toddler (well as a baby even she became mesmerised when watching people play it in a way she doesn’t with other instruments).

I don’t expect them to dress them, no.
But I asked what day they needed kit, she told me and then the kit came home clean 3 times.
I asked the teacher why she was not wearing kit (checking DD knew what bag it was in etc.)
The teacher said they do not wear kit for PE because “it takes too long for the kids to get changed.”
Why tell me to pack the kit then??

Hand washing is basic disease control 😊 it shouldn’t need to be discussed it should be a basic standard

A previous poster said they hoped she could get a place after the half term. I said that would be good because then she won’t have to start 2 things in January at the same time. What the other thing was kind of irrelevant, but Suzuki is quite time consuming so it would be a lot to begin all at once 😊

Not really much point to this thread..

You are moving your child.. Good luck finding a good private school at half term..

Oh goodness. Play is how children learn, not 'recreation'. Fine motor skills, gross motor skills, hand eye coordination, social and emotional development are learnt through PLAY. Every study ever on education has proved that children who learn through play for longer have better outcomes. Sounds like you need an education. I'd LOVE to know what happened in the parents meeting the head cut short.

The teacher said “I’m lucky if I spend 10 minutes a day with DD and her learning partner because there are other children who require more of my attention. Obviously DD is very school ready but I’m sure you can appreciate that is not the case for many of the children I teach”

So you were talking bollocks when you said the teacher described the other children as more challenging.

No, she also said that. 🙄

I have already found her a school. I started this post days ago 😂 I was quite annoyed when I wrote it I guess. But, really I was wondering if other people had been in the same position and moved their child. But I can see how this has digressed into a debate about state vs independent etc. I could have written my original post better. I did ask to have it removed not long after I wrote it but apparently Mumsnet cannot do that, but I am not going to keep coming back and justifying myself of explaining what went on.

I am doing what Is right for my family and I hope you all do whatever is right by yours.

That's ok dear. Just get it right this time, four changes of provision in one year is enough to upset even the most advanced self motivated four year old learner.

No, she also said that.

Not according to your direct quote from the teacher upthread.

It was a twenty minute conversation 😊

Four changes of provision in one year? No, on her life 😊 she started nursery over 2 years ago and did a full year in each setting.

OP you do sound terribly anxious and as though you are over thinking schooling. It’s not rocket science and the school is experienced with children. Try to cut them some slack, it’ll be a lot more comfortable for everyone if you try to trust them a little. Honestly you sound as though you have too much time on your hands.

she is. A striver, ambitious. I’m open to who she is and I do not want to fail her aspirations

I’ve never heard anyone describe a four year old like this.

Anyways, I hope the new school is good enough for —you— her.

10mins a day teacher time sounds quite generous.

Children don’t only learn from their teacher, they learn on their own, with each other and from each other. In fact the classroom itself is said to be “the third teacher”. It’s all about collaboration and unfortunately for your child you’re throwing a spammer in the works. You sound like nightmare parents!

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