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Original poster

To write letter to request DS has a particular teacher when he starts reception in September

325 replies

BingBong36 · 05/05/2015 09:46

I have another son that is in year 1 now and I really disliked his reception teacher for various reasons (so did he). She has a very stern approach, there is a job share and at parents evening they totally spoke over each other etc and I just didn't warm to her. My youngest son is very sensitive summer boy and I really love the other reception teacher and feel he is best in her class.

I am going to write to the school to request this but how do I word it?

Thanks

OP posts:
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IHeartKingThistle · 05/05/2015 10:12

You don't get to choose teachers!

Redlocks28 · 05/05/2015 10:14

He he! Stop. You are in danger of becoming one of 'those' parents!!

I'm confused by your post-who are the jobshare-is that the alternative? Or is the teacher you don't like part of the jobshare?

holmessweetholmes · 05/05/2015 10:23

You can't choose teachers. No headteacher in their right mind will agree to any request of this kind, and quite rightly so. It would be unfair and set a dangerous precedent.

WhatsGoingOnEh · 05/05/2015 10:27

If you really want to do this, then don't write a letter -- make an appointment with the Head and explain your concerns in person. You'll be able to explain what you mean, and I'm sure they'll reassure you.

Original poster
BingBong36 · 05/05/2015 10:29

If your child had a teacher who was quite frankly rude, very stern, and not very good would you want their sibling to have the same teachers?

I also know if some children who swapped teachers as they also didn't was this teacher so it can be done.

They are on a job share, Ibe teacher for 2 days and the other for 3. Parents evening was a mess with them contradicting each other and getting DS name wrong!

The other reception teacher is so lovely and has a lovely approach.

I help in the school and the difference in teachers is huge.

Surely there is no harm in me asking?

OP posts:
PUGaLUGS · 05/05/2015 10:31

Oh my Shock

Original poster
BingBong36 · 05/05/2015 10:34

That's helpful pugalugs!!

OP posts:
titchy · 05/05/2015 10:39

I know - why don't you get all the parents to write in, then the lovely nice teacher will have 60 kids, and the other teacher won't have any.

Original poster
BingBong36 · 05/05/2015 10:44

And why would I do that titchy? What a silly thing to say.

The bottom like is I wand my son to have the best start to school life, he cries every time I drop him to nursery, he is very sensitive and I feel the other teacher is much more nurturing.

Some people may want the more stricter teacher who doesn't give out cuddles when the children cry and rolls her eyes constantly.

Why am I so bad in wanting him to be with a teacher that would best suit my son?

OP posts:
PUGaLUGS · 05/05/2015 10:47

You just don't get to choose.

They will think you are bonkers.

Original poster
BingBong36 · 05/05/2015 10:49

I know I do not get to chose but surely a letter will not do any harm.

The thought only entered my head when a few mums did exactly the same and the school were fine about it. I'm not bonkers!

OP posts:
PureMorning · 05/05/2015 10:49

But if the teachers that bad why have you not complained?

Losingmyreligion · 05/05/2015 10:51

I agree with a PP that you should speak to the Headteacher. I think your previous experience gives you legitimate cause for concern. I bet you won't be the first person to ask. You don't have the right to demand which class your child is in but if you stay calm and reasonable the HT MAY grant your request (though they won't tell you that on the day and will probably vigorously defend the teacher in question). They may do it to head off a year of complaints from you, but that's ok. Good luck.

ButterflyUpSoHigh · 05/05/2015 10:51

You will definitely be labelled as 'that parent' if you right the letter.

Floggingmolly · 05/05/2015 10:51

We all want our kids to be with teacher's that "best suit" our kids; but we don't get to choose.

That's the stumbling block you have to accept (unless you change schools) - it's out of your hands.

Floggingmolly · 05/05/2015 10:53

teachers

JugglingLife · 05/05/2015 10:53

Bing bong I can empathise but you really don't get to choose. I hated DS1's reception teacher with a passion, he really did not have a great year with her, to my horror DD then had her in reception and she was great, I completely changed my opinion of her. I also think that the stern face is often the one the parents see but actually teachers like that, once you crack the shell are fabulous.

RustyBear · 05/05/2015 10:55

Do you actually know that both teachers will still (a) be at the school and (b) be teaching reception in September? There's still time for one or both to give notice if they find another job or just get sick of parents's complaints

Losingmyreligion · 05/05/2015 10:55

I disagree that one meeting with the Head will have OP labelled "that parent". She already has a child in the school so she is either "that parent" already or not. It's worth asking. Nothing ventured ...

Original poster
BingBong36 · 05/05/2015 10:56

Butterflyupsihigh: who is going to think if me as that kind of mum, what a ridiculous thing to say! I don't see it being a problem and quite frankly I'm not that bothered if people think I am that sort of mum, who will know anyway?

I just would like my son to have a teacher that I feel will have compassion and give him a hug when he is crying his eyes out in the morning!!!

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DrankSangriaInThePark · 05/05/2015 10:56

And you writing that letter and then helping out in the school would be a good idea for your future helping out, how exactly?

If they're in their right mind, (and they will be) you'll never get through the door again. and quite rightly

I also don't understand.....the reception teacher doesn't have this sensitive kid at the moment? Is that right? But he cries all the time anyway?

To say you're in reception/yr 1 you're making quite a meal out of it.

Wait till they have 10 different teachers you don't like.

CaTsMaMmA · 05/05/2015 10:57

so what will you do if your request for your second child is granted and the rude and stern teacher is allocated to your first child instead? How is that going to work out for you?

...if she is so awful then have the balls to make an official complaint and stop trying to slide her off to other people's children.

Rainicorn · 05/05/2015 10:58

Why don't you just go in and speak to the head rather than write a letter. Just explain you think your son would benefit from having one solid teacher throughout the year rather than two different ones due to his age, his personality.

I can't see the harm in asking, but the headteacher likewise, doesn't have to do ask you've requested.

DrankSangriaInThePark · 05/05/2015 10:58

Every single person working in that school will think that OP.

Honestly. They will.

Maybe the teachers don't actually have time to sit with Junior cuddling him all morning? You know, when they have other kids to be, erm, teaching and all?

ButterflyUpSoHigh · 05/05/2015 10:59

The only person being ridiculous is you. What would you do if there was only one reception teacher and not a choice?