So I posted on here back in June with concerns regarding my DCs Head and the constant churn of teachers.
This school year both DCs have new teachers (again!) and while DS' yr 4 teacher seems excellent we have growing worries about DD in Yr 1.
DD finished Reception a supremely confident, school loving child who was progressing really well. Since September she has shown decreasing interest in learning, is tearful when I drop her off, and has nothing good to say about her teacher. I am told she is often playing on her own and doesn't seem to have that many friends. At the time I was mindful that transition from Reception to Yr 1 can be quite difficult, so tried not to read too much into it.
However, At parents evening, it was evident that the teacher barely even knew DD, could not really comment on progress and contradicted herself on several occasions. Looking through DDs work books, very little seemed to have be done in the 6 weeks since start of term and my biggest gripe is that 1:1 reading is only done ONCE A WEEK! When we queried this the teacher said (very defensively) this is the same in other schools and as parents "you should be reading at home with DD". Was flabbergasted and retorted that whilst we do read every night, surely it was also the schools job to be reading 1:1, esp while the children are so young. We have been told that there is plenty of community voluntary resource for reading, so why the lack of input?
Other niggles were that the only comment she could make about DD was that she was 'strident' and that DD worked best sat at back of class, with her back to the room ??! Although she counteracted by saying focused work always takes place on floor in front of her.
Came away from the meeting fuming, with overwhelming sense that teacher couldn't give toss about DD and DH adament that there was no way she could carry on being taught by this teacher.
To make matters worse DD is in a mixed class of Yr 1 and 2, so would have this teacher for another 18 months.
Fast forward, and teacher has been off sick since half term, apparently with a bad back but I suspect it may be stress, as many other parents have also voiced concerns. In the meantime DD is being taught by a stream of supply teachers and no date has been given for the teachers return.
I have had a meeting with the Head to address our concerns but she says she cannot really comment until the teacher returns, which to me sounds like a bit of a cop out. As explained previously a huge part of the problem is the Head, none of her staff seem to want to stay and as a result she is making (I believe) some quick and poor judgements on replacements. However she has no plans to go anywhere and frankly don't think we have any time left to 'wait and see'.
In the meantime we have been looking at other schools and whilst I would move DD tomorrow, am really torn as to the best thing for DS. He is doing 'ok' but seems to like his teacher and has got lots of friends. Don't really want to send them to separate schools but want to make sure we make the best decisions for both of them.
Any advice gratefully received.....