"Bless him, he's really trying hard isn't he?"

[Ormirian]

Said to me this morning by the teacher of a yr 2 class that taught DS2 last year. Added to similar comments from the SALT and a teacher who has never taught DS at all, and the school secretary and the lady in reception......

DS2 has problems at school - not behavioural as he's good as gold (in school ) but regarding his maths and writing. His reading was behind as well but now it's fine. The school are working with us to help him and I am very grateful of course but.... does this mean he's shortcomings are being discussed left, right and centre in the staff room? Or does it mean the entire staff are being dragooned into helping him

I usually nod and smile and say 'yes, he is' feeling a bit confused. I don't think it matters - it doesn't to him anyway - but I feel a little uncomfortable somehow. Is this odd?

wouldnt think so probably disgussed it when they hand over pupils to the teacher in the next year or maybe she had spoken to this other teacher for advice if she has more expierience with SEN/LD ,is your DS on a IEP? i presume he is as you also mention SALT, please dont worry they have so may pupils in simular situations, it is upsetting to think they might but im sure it was ment in a profeshional way and does not reflect on your or parenting skills in any way

Thanks betty. I like the school and never had problems with it before - DS1 started there 10 years ago so I feel I know the staff quite well. Perhaps it's just a question of asking for advice as you say, or swapping experience of DS2.

It maybe also reflects the rewards they are giving to your ds - for example - if he has been sent to the head teacher a few times to show work that he's really tried hard with, then the secretary and receptionist may have picked up on this - ditto certificates in assembly etc with other teachers.
Plus, from my experience teaching, if you have been particularly delighted by the effort a child has put in or the way they suddenly seem to have "got" something, it is a natural thing to express this in the staff room at break-time. Not so much talking about shortcomings but just expressing pleasure at what is happening!
Then of course, as betty says, your dc's current teacher may have been asking advice from another teacher. I can find it really useful to chat through issues with another colleague. It is amazing how often just doing this gives you more ideas of what to do or how to help a particular child. Often in my experience, just doing this helps me clarify my thoughts and gives me more ideas, even if the other teacher isn't any more experienced that I am!
It sounds to me that his effort and progress has stood out as being particularly good and so more staff are aware of it - for reasons as I've outlined above. I don't think you should worry.

THankyou sarah, I am sure you are right. He's been to the head a few times for praise and I know his teacher has been very pleased with him from time to time because she comes out with him after school and tells me all about it

He also sits in reception to wait for DH on the days he picks him up so they may have got to know him there.

I am a bit oversensitive I think as he does struggle so and is aware he can't do what the other children can.

But I won't worry anymore. Funny that when any of the teachers came to congratulate me on DD's work when she was in the school I didn't mind

TBH it sounds like he is doing really well and they are all pleased with/for him - someone's seen him getting the next level reading book, or put up a lovely piece of writing on the wall or something. I think I would take it as a good thing!

Thanks patricia. I will try to do so But I worry about him - he's a strange child in many ways but people do tend to fall in love with him.