Confused about Reception report

[loadsofsmiles]

I have just received dd's Reception report and I am not sure that I know from reading it how she is getting on. I was wandering if there are any Reception teachers who might be able to help.

It is split into 6 areas, some of which, like Personal, social and emotional development, are sub divided. In some of these areas it says she has achieved the early learning goals. Is this what is expected of an average child or is this above average?

In some areas it says that she is making progress within the context of the early learning goals. Does this mean that she is below average or average?

Thanks

I'm interested so that I can support her at home if she is struggling.

As a reception teacher for many years I'm not sure either - which ELGs has she achieved ? report vague progressing within the context f the ELGs could mean anything sorry

If she has achieved all of the ELGs for an area then that is above average.If she is working within them that could be either below, above or average depending on which she has achieved ! I would ask for her profile scores if you really want to know.

Thanks mrz, I'll have to go and speak to her. I know how busy teachers are at this time of year and how long reports take to write, so didn't want to hassle her.

I do wish Reception reports were clearer! There doesn't seem to be one which says which of the areas a child is deemed to have "achieved" and what this actually means in terms of an overall "score" which seems to be what most parents actually want! I know mine never did,

The six areas of learning are continuing her development from the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) which she started in her preschool years. The EYFS curriculum is different to that higher up (yr 1 +).

There is a wide range of things they are supposed to be doing at each stage and the comments will reflect her stage of learning. You should really book an appointment with the teacher who can advise you if there are any concerns for any of the 6 areas. There is a such a huge range of ability during the reception year; some kids will be reading away taking their books home every night and others will be still focusing on their basic words and sounds.

All reception children should be following a letters and sounds type program every day in reception.

I would just focus on the general comment from her teacher and if you have any concerns and questions to know how you can help over summer hols, if necessary. If they had any concerns about her learning and thought she needed extra support, they should have spoken to you about it before this term. HTH

Thanks for the comments.

I know that she is doing OK in reading and writing, and thought that her Maths was OK too, but since getting the report I'm not sure.

Think there are 46 reception words they're supposed to know by the end of reception yr.
When it says 'she has achieved the early learning goals', that means she has achieved all that is necessary for reception. It doesn't mean they're not stretching her further if need be.

If she has achieved the Early Learning Goal that means she has achieved all 9 scale points within that subject area, those children are usually (not always) the most able & will be predicted to get level 3s at end of Yr2
If they get 7 or 8, you would expect that child to be above average & get 2a at end of Yr 2 & so on
Obviously, (as I have argued on so many occasions with my Headteacher!)they are still extremely young & a slow starter in Reception can often blossom in Yr 1 & vice versa
Talk to the teacher & ask her opinion

Thanks Belle, that's helpful. I will go and talk to her.

If she has achieved all the ELGs which isn't clear from what is in the report she will have only achieved points 4-8. 1-3 are development matters and point 9 is beyond the ELGs.

I've seen reports with the statement "has achieved the early learning goals" to mean that the child is now working within the ELGs (past point 3) or to mean they have achieved points 4-8.

you would need to ask the teacher what she means.

We got dd1's report yesterday too. Where it details the subject there was a ticklist stuck in showing which points had been ticked off, with 13 sections with up to 9 points on each one. Do you not have something similar? There was nothing to explain though what is really expected of them at this stage ie what is "average", what is "above average" etc. DD got 9x9's 2x8's and 2x7's which I'm assuming is fine as the write up was all really positive.

DS' report didn't have scores, which I was pleased about TBH as I hate the idea of reducing children to numbers.

The phrases tend to be
'has achieved the early learning goals for [sub heading]. In addition, he [bla bla bla]'

Which I must admit is all lovely to read but the useful bit is an 'overall' bit from the teacher which includes areas for him to work on to progress further. Which is really the bit that yours doesn't seem to have. As you say, its what you can do to support your DC that matters here.

Can anyone tell me what level my DS is at. He scored 6 expected and 11 exceeding including maths and reading. Does that mean he is above average? I have had mixed messages about what the scores mean. I would be grateful if reception or year 1 teachers can comment too. Thanks