Able/gifted child

[saisanne1]

My child is starting primary 1 in august and I'm worried about the teachers not being able to stretch and challenge him enough. Any other mums gone through this or about to go through it?

Has your child been "diagnosed" gifted/talented? If so, his school will probably be made aware of it. The challenge can vary from school to school. Ultimately, it depends on the area. In my experience, the pushier the parents, the more challenge offered.

If you are unsure or feel he is not being stretched talk to his teacher about it. However, I would give him time to settle into school first. Then only mention it if you feel he is bored/unchallenged.

This is why I'd never be a primary school teacher.

He's still at nursery just now and because of the bad weather he can't take himself outside to get away from the slow pace of nursery, the only thing that settled him was me writing some sums down on abit paper and he was instantly settled, he needs a challenge. He was assessed by a education phycologist as highly able, he's just turned 5 and is reading at primary 3 level. I suggested maths workbooks and the teacher said she didn't want him too far ahead, as he would get bored in school, but he's way ahead anyway, if he gets bored it results in bad behaviour

How are his social skills? Nursery is important for bringing these on, maybe focus on the softer skills for a bit.

His social skills and good, he has lots of friends, but with most able children, their social and emotional skills are abit behind their academic level, so we are focusing on that atm

A number of points came to mind; firstly the Registered (hopefully) Psychologist you used will have given you advice in this regard - are you using it?
Secondly, you appear to have a narrow definition of 'able / gifted' and will be well served to challenge yourself in this regard. Thirdly, some children may not find the typically 'free play' environment of a nursery to their liking and at worst find it distressing. Focus in on the uniqueness of your child and observe what they like to do and what they are drawn to but where possible avoid what will be duplicated in school. For example tasks/toys that are creative (eg painting without instruction) or related to spatial intelligence (eg lego) are not focused on in school in the primary years. Finally, you state that you are "worried", in this post you are worried about something that hasn't happened - that does not help your child thrive and in fact may do the opposite.