AIBU NQT twos years running ( year 5 and 6)

[NoonarAgain]

Dd2 has just been allocated her year 6 teacher. Both teachers in the two year 6 classes are new to the school. Dd's class is having the NQT despite being given the impression that they had met their new teacher ( who was the more experienced one). So clearly dd has made a mistake, or the school has changed their mind.

In year 3, dd's class had a teacher who had such weaknesses that the school did not renew her contract (many dc left the school the previous year due to the issues in her class). However, she was young and did improve somewhat by the time she taught dd. Dd actually liked her, but the learning as another matter.

In year 4 dd had a good solid teacher.

In year 5 an NQT, whilst the other class had the deputy head. So, for 2 out of the 3 years the other class has had a much stronger teacher.

Now they are getting the ( new) experienced teacher whilst dd is getting the NQT.

AIBU to raise this with the school? As there are 14 classes, it's perfectly possible that they won't have noticed that dd's class could be seem to be getting a raw deal.

And yes, I realise that some NQTs are great but they are new to the profession and as such will be learning on the job, so to speak.

Your dd could have met her new teacher even if she is an NQT, my dd met her NQT the year before she had her, she was in school a lot at the end of the summer term, just helping out, I guessed she had finished college.

I would rather have an NQT than the deputy head, they always seem to be out of class doing other duties whilst the class gets left with a cover teacher.

I personally wouldn't raise it, what's the point? They aren't going to change it are they?

It wouldn't worry me on the face of it. The worst teacher, by far, that either of my dcs ever had was actually an experienced teacher. The NQTs in our school were enthusiastic and very conscious of getting things right. My dd is getting a teacher with 2 years teaching experience. She is keen and approachable and I am very happy with her. Of course you can't beat an experienced teacher who is brilliant at their job - ds had one who had been teaching 30 years and had a gift for teaching on top of the experience but an NQT is often a good option.

Petal. Sorry, I was unclear. Dd met both women and thought her teacher was the other one.

I agree about the fact that you could end up with an experienced poor teacher. But why have the school been so ( on the surface) unfair in allocating teachers. Maybe they've not noticed but I see it as potentially disadvantage go them. Maybe if this year's NQT as not so joyless I'd feel differently.

I wouldn't see an NQT as being a disadvantage.

Indeed, thinking back over the 21 yrs I was teaching in schools, the NQTs have very often been the best - they have the energy and enthusiasm and recent experience in several schools from which they can draw the very best practice, and also a mentor who they can run things past.

So yes, YABU IMO.

My DD2 has had an NQT the past two years running - one on a job share, the current one f/t. They have both been amazing. The Yr5 lady was a maths and science specialist, her current class teacher is a tough, hard-working, committed woman who brings out the best in all her pupils and is still running her reading extension group despite the dreaded SATs being over.

Don't judge your DD's new teacher until you have seen her in action, please.

Just because you've had a less than happy experience with one NQT, why do you tar them all with the same brush? If you had a bad experience with a male teacher, or an older teacher would you assume they are all bad?

My Dd's have had 6 nqt's so far. They have been great, so enthusiastic and keen to help the children.

They are fresh out of training, keen to prove themselves and usually have bags of energy and the latest ideals and ideals about teaching.

I have no problem with DS having NQTs....so far the ones he has had have all been fantastic.

It's also worth pointing out that having a NQT this year may have been a "better deal" than having the deputy head. My DC have both had years where the deputy head was their class teacher and they had a minimum of 1.5 days a week (and quite often 2 or 3) when the teacher was involved in SMT activities. I'd rather have an "always there" keen NQT than a "there half the time and a series of other adults to cover" teacher.

Deputy Head is often a disadvantage - as they are out of class more because of meetings. So children often have more supply/cover teachers, and if they find transitions hard this can be especially tricky.
NQT are often fine, and very common in primary schools (especially as most teachers seem to be young women, so more often on maternity leave).
An NQT is also supervised much more.
I have known several NQTs who are fabulous, and they are certainly less likely to "coast".

Best teacher my son has had was an NQT and I wish he could have had her every year. He's not had another NQT though. I think it would be unusual to get two on a row but is expect that a school would put their best teachers on years 5 and 6.

Some NQTs are really talented. I am a little surprised that they have put an NQT in year 6

The class teacher I worked with this year is an NQT - (she is 22 ,I am (nearly) 50 )- she is amazing. The kids love her and she is brilliant with discipline in class.

The class teacher I worked with this year is an NQT - (she is 22 ,I am (nearly) 50 )- she is amazing. The kids love her and she is brilliant with discipline in class.

Why would you expect a school to put "their best teachers in Years 5 and 6" Nyna ?

""their best teachers in Years 5 and 6" Nyna ? "

one word - SATs. NQTs are often great but they are an untested quantity.

Yes SATs.

My friend taught Year 6 in her NQT year. Why not?

The Headteacher/ SLT know the strengths and weaknesses of their staff better than you, surely.

Maybe the other class always get the stronger teacher because they are the weaker class? Either academically or they have more kids with behaviour problems?