flexi arrangements in Reception

[mitsuko]

Just bringing this up to the top because we're also considering flexi schooling. Haven't had the conversation with the head yet, although i suspect he'd be sympathetic. DD hasn't started school yet but I'm sure I haven't the stamina to homeschool. She has some additional needs and the head agreed to delay her start at school so she'll get a full year in reception, but they expect them to go full-time right from September. I'm sure dd won't cope with a full day.
Two things really - I read the link someone posted about flexi arrangements and the implications, one of which was SATS results - just wondered if dd's results would count anyway, as she'll be in the wrong year chronologically, so maybe school couldn't use this as a reason to object later on if I want to carry on with a flexi arrangement?
Also, what do reception children tend to do in the afternoons? (was thinking of dd being in school mornings only) Do I have to show I'm broadly following what she'd be doing if she was in school?

There is a child in my son's reception class with special needs who is flexi schooled. The little girl in question has a mental age of 3 and is five years old. The little girl goes home every day for lunch and only comes back 3 afternoons a week. Last term she did mornings only.

As far as I can tell reception children tend to do more play activites in the afternoon although a lot depends on the school. Certainly our reception is very play based as that is the best way for little people to learn.

My guess is a lot depends on the additional needs. Saying that a child has additional or special needs tells you very little about the child. My son has a hearing impairment and wears hearing aids. His special needs are very different to the little girl who I mentioned.

You would be surprised how well little people cope. Children with special needs often surpass all expectations of their parents. The little girl who is globally developmentally delayed has learnt to use the toilet, her language has improved dramatically. She has even learn quite a few letter sounds.

I worried that my son would get bullied about having hearing aids, but the children have accepted it. Children are much better educated about differences than they were in the past.

Prehaps the best thing is to talk to the head teacher.

I am not sure, but I don't think that children with moderate special needs have their sat results included in league tables.

Thanks fances5. DD has emotional and behavioural difficulties (long story, she hasn't always lived with me) plus some developmental day (in many ways she is like a 3 year old too) and real problems with attention, although the picture is quite complex so she hasn't had a diagnosis of ADHD as the clinic thinks it is too early to say. I suppose I'm trying to work out whether to see the head next term i.e. term before she starts, to sound school out, or let her start full days and see what happens. I don't want to set her up for failure, but on the other hand if she can cope and is happy that's great. Just wanting to start off on the right foot...

interesting about sat results potentially not being included anyway too

glad your son is doing well, btw. yes children can be much more straightforward about these things

All the reception children at our primary school are able to flexi-school if they wish until the term after their fifth birthday. On the whole it works very well and I feel is very respectful of the fact that the children are different ages and have different stamina. My ds1 went mornings-only for the first half term and gradually built up to full days after that. DS2 is a different character and did almost full-time right from the start. Both are doing very well academically.

unfortunately it will already be the term after dd is 5, as her start has been delayed - however, if the situation at her school is the same as you mentioned (and I'll go and talk to the head about all this beforehand) then there may be many other children doing flexi in the September term, so they may let her too

it's good to hear other people's experiences and sound others out

mitsuko, your daughter may well surprise you and be fine with full time school.

The little girl in my son's class isnt full time. She was five last christmas.

Have you talked to a community paeditrian about your worries? Supporting professionals could help you get a statement/ IEP in place which might recommned flexi schooling.

yes we're looking into this - it's taking a while to get some feedback though