Yr1 child was way ahead not progressing anymore

[whizzylala]

My DD (nearly 6) was way way ahead of her peers at the start of reception. She had a great year in reception and contiuned to do well, she had differentiated work etc and I was really pleased with the school (prep, she got a bursary on the strength of her ability).
This year there is a distinct lack of progress, she is fine, still top of the class but definitely not way ahead anymore. The reading books she brings home are easier than a year ago, she doesn't seem to be able to do the same simple additions she could do in her class before reception sometimes. I know reading is also about knowing punctuation and reading as a story not just words but at home she can read more or less anything and has excellent comprehension when reading on her own. When I mentioned that the books aren't challenging her the teacher said that she says she doesn't like reading the harder ones so doesn't put her up a level.
Is it just that she has plateaued or should they be doing more with her at school? I saw the teacher at the begining of last term and she had lots of positive ideas about how to engage her but these seemed to fizzle out towards the end of term. My DD has definitely lost her love of learning in the last term - says she hates reading, hates maths and working. Am planning a trip to see teacher but wanted to see what other people would do in the same situation first.
Thanks in advance, sorry so long....
Whiz

I wouldn?t worry about it. In fact I'd lay off the worrying bit and not appear anxious or concerned around her.

If she's being blagged and badgered into reading and studying all the time, the chances are she will start seeing it as a chore rather than something she enjoys.

She's still at the top of her class so don't worry.

maybe she's not 'way ahead' anymore as other children have caught up? it's not a race remember

and also it's grim getting back to school, it's cold, they've had 2 or 3 weeks off - back into a routine takes a while.

i also wouldnt' worry, maybe give it another couple of weeks before you see teacher

I think it is very very very "normal" for the gap between those who are way ahead at the start of reception and those who are not to narrow and in some cases disappear during year 1.

2 of my dds did not learn to read until spring term of year 1, one is now an about average reader the other is one of the top in her year.

I'd chill of your dds abilities where they are at age 6 is not necessarily indicative of where they will be at age 10/11

My dd was accustomed to work being 'easy' for her, so when things got a bit harder, she didn't like it one bit!

Don't know if it is a fear (or unfamiliar feeling) of possibly getting something 'wrong', so they'd rather not 'risk' it, and always opt for easier work (which they know they can manage easily/correctly).

Is there any possibility she might lose the bursary if her ability doesn't live up to early promise? Does the school seem worried? If not, I wouldn't fret.

Perhaps you and the school can formulate some strategies to teach your dd how to try and stick at something (which is bound to be odd for her if she is accustomed to breezing through without much effort).

My dd1 was way ahead at reception - really noticeably in lots of ways. But she had been a 'nursery child' and basically had had lots of informal education. By year 2 it had evened out as her and others got the same education!! My dd2 and 3 did not get the same time or effort pre-school and went in probably below average. I can distinctly remember the difference between going to parents eve for dd1 when I expected to be told she was bright and above average etc (first child!!) and whilst they recognised she was bright and ahead of the game not a lot of fuss was made. Went to dd2s parents eve really laughing and expecting to be told she was a dizzy blond who gets by on charm to be told she was very personable and had tons of charm but surprisingly to us, appeared to be naturally talented at everything she did for that stage (hasten to add we have no expectation it will last by the way - she was only 4! If I get told that at high school I will take it more seriously!). I got a real wake up call to be quite frank and felt guilty for ages and still do. I had fallen into a trap of thinking dd1 was really clever etc when without thinking she was getting more time, and that dd2 was dizzy simply because we had never spent time teaching her anything. I wont make that mistake again. Now a few years later, dd1 is finding life harder at school than dd2 who appears to breeze through it. The shock of finding it more challenging put dd1 off for a while too. Try not to panic. At her age school should be fun with no pressure.

Thanks for comments, yes bursary is for review at end of Keystage 2 although they did say as long as she is doing well it will stand.
I realise that ability at this age is no indicator for the future, I do think that some progress should be expected though. Maybe you are right early bird about not wanting to get it wrong, will think on that.
I am not worried if she isn't going to be super bright as early predicitons but that her progress is so slow at school, it just gets me a bit concerned. She is still very happy at school though and loves going.
Think I will go to see her teacher though and make her aware of how things appear at home - perhaps she can show me evidence to reassure me that in fact she is ticking along nicely.