visit from lea

[pinkkoala]

hi i am due to have a visit from the education officer of our local lea.

what can i expect as i am very anxious about it.

will they need to see my dd (5yrs), as i am not keen on that idea.

how long do you think the visit will last and what sort of things will i be asked.

I think it depends so much in where you live really.

Our guy coundn't be more uninterested if he tried. He sit in he sitting room with us, asks what ds has been doing with regard to maths, English etc, ticks some boxes on a form and then is off beofre he has finished his tea. Never wants to see any of ds work, even though ds was trying to force him to on the last visit. Three visits now, never been here for longer than 15 mins.

First visit, ds was 5 as well, so no real questions about accademic things at that stage, bit of box ticking and he was out the door again at lightning speed.

Also, I've never had a problem with him seeing ds. It's either that or I shutte ds over to my parents for 15 mins or keep him upstairs. Ds likes seeing him, he is quite a nice person fom the little we have seen of him. we are due a visit July, ds has big plans to make the poor guy sit and look at his work this time (he's very proud of what he has done this year), we are going to keep him captive for at least an hour!

I used to look forward to visits from the "education department lady" when I was a HEd child. I think they used to stagger back to their cars, glassy eyed from the onslaught!

just to remind you that you are under no obligation to agree to a visit. If you'd rather not have one, you can inform them about the educational provision by other means.

If you are happy to meet them, you don't have to do it in your home (local library?), and your child does not have to be there. I would also recomend having a supportive and confident fried there to take notes.

If you want advice about turning down a visit, just shout.

thanks for the info.

i have spoke to the lady on the phone several times and she seems very friendly and chatty, could this be a front though.

she has said it is very informal chat, but would like to see some of dd's work.

we a re only doing this as a temporary measure until we get her into the school that we want, we are on a waiting list.

i am worried that maybe i am not teaching her enough, she isn't very keen on sitting and doing workbooks, she loves playing in the garden, going out, planting things, arty/crafty things and we do get the occassional workbook thrown in for good measure.

she is unable to read, which is making me very anxious, we have flashcards and oxford reading tree books. she was 5 at xmas and i feel she may be getting behind.

I have no experience with the LEA thing but they'd have some flippin cheek if they complained your DD can't read yet. Lots of schooled children can't read at that age surely?

Why are you worried about them seeing your child?

Might they have some good advice you could take on board? Not saying you need it of course, I dont know the first thing about you. But it cant hurt surely?

I dont really get why this is a problem? Teachers get visited by authorities all the time.

Most 5 year olds can't read - I wouldn't worry about that.

I really wouldn't worry. Why should it be a front? If your 5 yr old was school they would be learning through play-they wouldn't be sitting down being 'taught'.
Be friendly, use them for advice-resources etc (you don't have to take it).
It is your house-you have the advantage-take the initiative! If it was me I would be doing something messy and get them involved-don't give them chance to sit still! e.g. if it was a nice day I would meet them at the door and say -we are out in the garden xxxx is very into growing things and let her talk to DD while DD digs around. Or have a bowl of water and lots of pouring things on the go. Use whatever DD is keen on-they can't complain if you say decisively 'we knew you would want to see a normal day'.
If teachers are inspected they pull out the stops and do something exciting-they don't show a spelling test or handwriting practise. These things happen but they aren't very interesting for an observer.

No one will expect a 5 yr old to be able to read.