If a school levels a child lower at the start of a Key Stage than they were at the end of a previous Key Stage it isn't a 'downgrade', it just gives them a more realistic idea of where to place the child and what they have to do to move them on by the expected 2 levels from their 'official' level. A good school will be constantly monitoring each child's progress and teaching them as appropriate to achieve their (nationally imposed) 'target' level.
This is reassuring. It's confusing though as I was told verbally that there were absolutely no problems at all. In fact I asked if she was doing ok to be told, oh no, better than ok she's doing really well.
This is a dc who reads avidly, can read an easier type paperback e.g. Horrid Henry type things in a few hours, reads Harry Potter books over a few days and very much understands the majority of the content. She's been a free reader since the middle of year 1.
Struggles with the physical side of handwriting but it's legible. They are giving her awards for getting 10/10 in spellings, which she's in the top group for. She uses full stops, capital letters and writes in an interesting way - i.e. plenty of adjectives and longer sentences. So I find it really difficult to grasp how they are effectively assessing her as a 2c, which I understand is struggling and below average.
The only thing I can think of is that perhaps handwriting is now more prominent in the assessment. Previously I've been told that it's the content that's important, but perhaps that changes at this age.
They have given us a sheet with "next targets". It basically says reading and spelling all fine and no targets have been given. There is one for writing but it's very vague and to me makes no sense. I've shown it to several adult friends and none of them can fathom out what it means either. Something about making clear the form you are writing it.
Thank you for the input, it's been hugely helpful.