Do all schools mark their reception reports in the same way? - feeling a bit deflated!

[averywoomummy]

I got DDs reception report today and feel a little bit deflated. She got all expected except one which was emergent. I wouldn't expect her to get exceeding in everything but one or two would have been lovely especially in communication and understanding which I think have always been really strong points with her (and in fact her teachers said at open evening that she was working at a year 1 level in these).

I'm a bit more bemused because a friend with a DD at a different school says her child got every category as exceeds. I know the DD well and would have said that her and my DD are fairly equal development wise so was wondering how much consistency there is across the schools in terms of deciding on grades?

My head says I am being silly and that I should be pleased that she is where she should be...but my heart wishes there had been just one exceeds!

Interesting mrz because what I have seen happening in DD2s class is lots and lots of assessment. From writing the letters of the alphabet on proforma sheets to writing 1 to 20; from worksheets on sharing (e.g. 6 sweets between 2 dolls earlier in the year) to correct answers provided to teachers questions at carpet time following a topic. I don't think I've ever seen a teacher or TA just observing the children playing - the teacher and TAs were always working with some children on either assessing the children or doing the adult led activities - children playing were left to get on with playing unless an intervention was required (rare as they're a bunch of sweeties). But perhaps I misunderstood what you meant?

I'm not saying a play and observe approach doesn't happen but dd2s teacher even said to me that they have so much to teach and seem to spend all their time assessing (her word)

As for the EYFS profile I am sure there is a specific emphasis on the word accurate - it is used several times ... the report is supposed to be an accurate assessment of a DCs ability against the set of learning goals. Of course if the disparity carries on up through primary as suggested (and a school can have such differences between two classes) then it is little wonder that some teachers don't place much value on the previous years report.

by next summer? oh crumbs - didn't think they were changing it THAT soon. I am so relieved I changed my mind and didn't go into teaching after all

I am looking forward to seeing the learning journey I must admit, some paintings and drawings from wall displays came home today so I am sure it will be on its way soon

Peri... Do you not have free access to the learning journal. In our school they are in a box in the classroom and parents are free to look anytime they like, plus they are brought out for the termly parents evenings. I love having a quick flick through to see what DS has been up to. Some of the observations are hilarious!!

Periwinkle it sounds like you've been short changed... Got ds's report today and it's lovely, personal comments and examples of things he has said and done in every section. They seem to have a really good grasp of where he's at and suggested next steps are sensible. Dd is in the parallel reception class and levels v different although ability wise they are similar (but strong in diff areas) but i have an extrovert and an introvert and i doubt she'd readily show her ability in school at the moment.

Simpson - i also had to contribute to 70 reports this year thanks to the joys of setting. That's 30 hours of my life i'll never get back!

www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/jul/17/five-year-olds-tests-clegg

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2366362/Children-young-face-tests-days-school.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Our report also contained personal observations all over it coupled with the official EYFS blurb. My favourite part if the reports going forward, for DS1 in y2 for example are the personal comments box. I am really happy with the reception report for DS2 without any levels, the language clearly explains whether he is or isn't meeting targets and suggests new ones for next year. At this stage I think this is enough and great.

I caught that last night mrz.

Beyond depressing. T'will sporn a market in getting your child prepped for school entry tests.

It's so scary that there's less than 2 years until the next general election and no credible alternative to this shower.

I wish our report had been more helpful. There were just two comments on it that were clearly about her. No next steps at all................But lots of tick boxes....................

nope I haven't seen the learning journey at all. I got shown something in her best book at Feb half term but otherwise not been shown any work and we aren't allowed in the school building (drop off at gate in the morning and pick up from door in the afternoon) so don't get to see the displays or anything.

our next steps included something she has been doing for ages and proof reading her writing which is fair enough but she is only 5 and she says she doesn't get enough time to plan out what she is going to write as well as write it AND check it.

I am still very very happy with her teacher, I couldn't be more pleased with how she has worked with her this year, I just don't feel the report reflects any of it and I think that is a shame but also don't believe it is the teacher's fault as it is all prescribed stuff and layout. the 2 sentences that I feel DO apply to my daughter are lovely, they just don't stand out and are hidden in government waffle education speak.

Well there you go. The logical endpoint of the journey has been reached for those who say testing and banding 5 year olds is appropriate.

No doubt the coaching for the 3 year olds will now begin and whole new levels of stress and competitive parenting will open up.

Awesome.

Spero read MN you will see coaching of 2 year olds isn't unusual

Coaching to do what? A big poo on the potty? .

There surely isn't that much the average 2 year old can do that requires 'coaching'. Not that anyone seems to have an 'average' child any more.

Don't worry! I've just had parents evening and DS's teacher said the New structure had worried them all as it was challenging but doesn't really take account of background, level at entering reception etc unlike the old system. It is marked the same everywhere but if your DC got expected I'm sure that means they're doing great

No parents don't potty train! but they do teach their two year olds to read and write and do quadratic equations

Sigh. Big sigh.

Not unusual in the MN world but everywhere else

Mrz - it must make your job harder when DC come to school and their parents say they can do X, Y or Z when in actual fact the child does not have a clue what they are doing.

It doesn't make the job harder but it can make relationships with parents strained when you have to explain that their child isn't ready for GCSEs just yet (and yes I had one parent ask)

At what age? (The child obviously)

age six

oh dear. I mean I just KNOW my children are geniuses (or is it genii?) but I am not THAT deluded

How did you handle that one??!?

I think I might have burst out laughing.

I explained that she wasn't quite ready and perhaps when she had mastered subtraction within 20 ...

lol

PMSL I don't know how you kept a straight face!!