hi sallyst123
I absolutely sympathise. In KS1 I had real doubts that enough progress was being made during KS1 and absolutely understand what kind of trouble that can cause between you and the teacher/ your child and the teacher.
Ultimately, many who have had the smoothest ride at our school (we're not openly comparing notes post 11+) seem to be the ones that said nothing but quietly did more at home. I really didn't start doing my own thing until late Y2 - and I do regret it. Things have gone much more smoothly for DD2 because I was more clued up to what I needed to be helping with.
It is crazy - and I know my mother never did as much as I'm doing for my DDs - but if the school doesn't change reading books for weeks (3 weeks of Big Panda/ Little Panda nearly killed us) and won't be teaching division beyond inverse multiplication who will? (and that is what we're facing here).
I first posted on here about weeks of repeated reading and a father replied that you don't just have to do what the school sets. Sure, show willing, fill in the learning log/ homework book, do the worksheets, read the books school provides -but you can also do a lot more yourself.
It sounds like your child is in Year R (not totally sure) - but if this is the case have a look at Oxford Owl - the early years maths/ reading sections have lots of resources, advice and there are tons of free e-books to work through. link here: www.oxfordowl.co.uk/
Some friends swear by workbooks and others (like me) prefer on-line games/ tutorials & worksheet generators.
There are tons of workbooks out there - and my advice is go along to a book store/ large news agent with your child and see what appeals to them.
Some really useful on-line stuff I've come across over the years:
Woodlands Junior School Resources resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/ - I highly recommend that maths & literacy zones with links to many games to build/ reinforce skills.
This is also from Woodlands Junior School - Primary Homework Help: www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/ - really useful when they get write something about the Romans/ Egyptians/ etc... on a piece of paper and that's it.
How to build a classic library for children: www.theguardian.com/books/series/building-a-children-s-library - great ideas for books. under the picture of the witch there are choices for ages 4- 7 or 8 - 11. I have to say 6 - 8 is a tricky age -with some behind, but wanting chapter books and others way ahead, but some books aren't really appropriate yet.
the book trust: www.booktrust.org.uk/books/children/ - lots of suggestions by genre and information on reading age of books.
Sometimes your school will sign up to things like My maths or Education City. If they do - join! Use these games to build strengths/ gain practise.
Finally around late Y1/ early Y2 - the KS1 BBC Bitesize games in English/ Maths & Science are good fun, can be adjusted for ability and prepare you for SATs at end of Y2: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/
Finally to get a fairly clearly written explanation of where your child should be / what they should be covering by year have a look at Campaign for Real Education primary curriculum materials. Your school may not be working to this - and it is 'ideal world' kind of stuff - but at least it lets you see what is in theory possible. link here: www.cre.org.uk/primary_contents.html.
We couldn't move so have had to make the best of the cards we've been dealt - but genuinely doing a bit more (not overkill but encouraging / supporting daily reading & ensuring a bit of maths practise if going on) does cumulatively make a big difference.
HTH