Gifted Talented Program

[ray143]

Gifted Talented Program

I am a parent with great concerns over my child's education.
My child was on Gifted and Talented program for ICT at His previous school.
We have moved homes therefore changed schools, I didn't want to take My son out of his previous school but being reassured by his new school, they run this program and they will cater to his needs.
Since his started I have ask the headmistress and teacher is he on the programme. I was told these things take time he has just started, to evaluate him.
Several months down the line, I was told they don't run the program as the school is not funded to do so.
I thought all schools run the program?
This has upset me very deeply, I feel I've made the wrong decisions for my child and should have left him at his previous school if I was told this earlier.
I feel no recognition has been taken of his talent in ICT. My son has mentioned he is currently doing the same work as everyone in his class and does not find it challenging.
As a parent I have deep concerns, his not been challenged to the best of his ability.
Why does the school not run this program?can they not implement the program?
I have been told by the school, he is also bright in other areas and he has been challenged.
Taking him out of Previous school upsets me as he had one to one interaction with his ICT teacher, which helped him to progress.
Also they were given homework via interactive interphase, which allowed the child tonwork from home, parents could also see what topics in class they were covering and homework online.

Current school don't provide.

Please help me I don't know what to? If he was on this program is he missing out?

I have spoken to the education department of welfare and arrange meeting with the head master.

I feel the only thing he can gain, is they'll give him extra work but as his no longer on the program, will he not be accessed differently?

Does any1 know what he'll be missing out as his no longer on the program?

Bump for an expert

In the meantime, I believe there is no longer a national programme (not sure about Wales). So no more money. Each school just does what it does or does not fancy under such a label. eg DS's school says it covers it by differentiation in class. They do to a degree but having seen the programme featuring your DS they are worlds apart in terms of ability.

It's always come across clearly that you will do your best for your DS. Unfortunately unless you have a great meeting with the Head you're facing a bit of an uphill climb. Focus on the comment that they are evaluating and give them that bit of time. They may not have had someone at your son's level before.

Hi thank you for your response! My question to you is, if he is no longer on the program, is he missing out??and what exactly is he missing out on?

I feel I should try and get him back to previous school, it's only 15mins drive and this school 3mins work which is why I changed.

Ofsted for both schools is outstanding, I'm in a dilemma!

Previous school outstanding now in 2010 and current 2008. Current school will not go through ofsted inspection,as school has met it's target in 2008.

Previous school user interface, great Internet facility via school and home.
Current school no such thing! I Feel like the school as a whole is dated, not in with the new technology.(sorry dnt mean2 sound nasty)

Back in 2008 yes outstanding, but not I wouldnt agree.

What would you do if you were in my shoes. Knowing he was on a program, then not to be, with I feel very little help from school.

I've actually have had sleepness nights thinking I've made such a big mistake moving him from his previous school :0(

I would say the G&T programme is just a label of no further use. Also many on MN will tell you Ofsted reports are of limited use...especially if your child is outside the normal range. Focus on the substance of your child's experience at school now.

What does your DS what he feels he is missing out on, if anything? He came across as eloquent, insightful & old enough to hold an informed opinion! Has he made a good friend at the new school?

A 15 min drive for a school if you feel it was doing a great job is not that long ( I do recall you have other DC to factor in).

Hi I'm sorry I'm new to this, what does DS mean?,
He also had a friend in his previous school,different class. He also was on the program.

Soo ...he does miss his previous friends but he adapts to any environment, he has a strong personality. Hardly any homework from his current school, previous frequent, so he is enjoying his current school, less work more play,lol.

But I think you put my mind at ease, knowing the program is just a label. I feel bit relaxed now, thanks!

I'll be having a meeting with the headmaster soon, what points shall I put across to emphasis my concerns. I'm not very good with words. I need to put my point across in such a way, that i am not undermining the headmasters expertise. He'll still be at the school, don't want to make it akward for my son and me.

Just want him to receive the help he had previously.

Thank you soo much taking your time to reply,this whole situation has stressed me out.

Is this a joke?

OP, if I were you, I'd ask your son if he'd prefer to go back to the previous school - if he does, ask the previous school if they still have a place. That would be the most obvious solution to me. :)

If not, you will just need to work with the current school and do the best you can with them. The best approach IME is usually: "Here is the problem, how do you think it could best be solved?" That way nobody loses face. (Much harder to achieve in practice, I know!!!)

Btw, DS is Dear Son, OP is Original Poster (that's you!) - you might also want to look at the Mumsnet list of acronyms - look at the top of the page :)

Colleger - trust you to be abrasive and dismissive of people who are different from you!

Thank you for being soo understanding! I am a first time user, Thanks for your help! He prefers his previous school, so it looks like I'll have to go through that route. Unless the school provides him with extra work.
Thank u all!

No but this guy is going on about being gifted in ICT and the school his child left only being 15 mins away! Being gifted in ICT is fine but a school isn't going to give two hoots especially when enrichment can happen at home!

I'm not a guy? Its my nickname.

Yes your right, could happen at home but having 3kids under the age of 6 is very difficult to juggle work and school runs.

Which is why I moved but as with anyone when it comes to your child's education your willing to sacrifice. I was given information incorrectly when it come to the program.

School has stated he is above average in math, English and science. So I need to be on top of it, he needs to be stimulated which his lacking at school.

Update today:
I have spoken to education welfare officer, she has now arranged to meet with the headmaster regarding extra work for my son. Also they will check on his progress. And will keep me updated.
Result!