Quads separated at school

[quadmamma2]

Hi , I have 5 year old quads , our catchment primary wasn’t great so we opted to homeschool until a place for all the kids was available at our preferred school. They would be primary 1. We were told there were places available and today we got a tour, but we were told they would be split between 3 class P1g , P1h and a P1/2 class. This has made me feel uneasy as they all have slight developmental delays, all struggle in social situations, each ‘block’ has there own play ground and each class is in a different block meaning they all couldn’t socialise at break or lunch , to add I’d also pick them up at different doors. My OH wants to take he places as it is a busy school and they may not be offered again. Would you take the places ? Should I ask if it can be two and two so none are left alone ?

Remember there are 168 hours in a week and school only takes up 30
of them. It could be really good for them to stretch into their own selves for a bit.

Do you know the basis on which the yr1/2 class was formed? I guess that my concern would be that the yr1 children in that class might be either older or considered more able and if the child in that class might not fit in so well and won't be able to keep up with the pace. I think that this is the angle to take with the school. The three pick up points is annoying but it is of the school's making and as long as the teachers are regularly reminded you can probably rotate around or there might be parents from your ds's class willing to grab them and find you.

What happens at the end of each year? Do they mix the classes up again? Will the school be open to discuss class allocations with you or are they very much a 'this is my way school'. Sometimes schools which have a very good reputation and outstanding Ofsted aren't as good with SN if they are used to pushing all the children to achieve academically so it is worth considering whether this inflexibility (splitting the identical twins) is a sign of things to come. Most schools I know would at least have some discussion. As others have said splitting identical twins can be a positive thing but it would usually be done with consultation.

I would be concerned about a 1/2 blend and a child with a developmental delay. But I have no experience thus. Thzt us a layman comment.
But looking at the school, there is actually the possibility to have each child in a separate P1 class. So this is about spaces and class size, not what's best for your children.

BUT you are unlikely to get this chance again. If you take the available spaces, what will happen next year? Do the classes get shuffled each year, or is that it forever?

I think as its late entry they may well not have space to do 2 + 2 etc. The OP has been told the avsila or space.

I wouldn't personally like it if they couldn't play at break and lunch. I've never heard of a year group not being able to play together before.

Can you go back to any of the schools you rejected? It's tricky applying this late as you have to go with available spaces and having 4 spaces is unlikely in this area - no idea about your areas.

I think you’re being a bit selfish if I’m honest. You really think that putting 4 SEN children all is one class is good for a) the SEN children, b) the rest of the class c) the teacher and TA?

Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

I think you’re really lucky a school has opened up places for you, take them and start getting your kids the skills both academic and social that will give them a great foundation for life.

As for being put on different groups/tables in one class. Our ones have a degree of "setting" so they may all end up together. I think its ureasonable to expect a teacher to take 4 siblings in one class. But I really would want them to be able to catch up at break or lunch.

Are you going to ask if they can do 2 x 2?

I am just thinking you must be amazing - you have quads and manage sensible posts on MN. Well done. I met your children are gorgeous!

No sensible leadership is going to drop four children with SEN onto one teacher mid year. Children with additional needs are always going to be mixed up across the classes based on the needs and the skills of the teachers for each class.

I think you are going to be waiting a long time to get 4 in year places at once with the set up you want.

Have you discussed it with th school? I can't see how they'd go about it as they can't move an established child into a diffent class to make room but there may be a way to sort it. Or do they mix the classes at the end of the year? Might they only be separated for the remainder of this school year?

I suspect your choice is whether it is better to split them or continue to home school. My feeling is that splitting them is probably better for their social development than homeschooling.

No experience, but why not have a chat to the school focusing on the practicalities - picking up from 2 classrooms and liaising with 2 teachers is likely to be more sustainable for everyone.

But no way would I turn down the places - unless you are reluctant for them to start school? And I think your DH opinions should count too.

I thought the OP wanted the identical twins separated?

Given that the "new" space is from the 1/2 class, maybe ask them if putting yours 2 + 2 can be done by identifying another child who may benefit more from the 1/2 class? But think about whether in fact being separated is worth a try, as per comments above. In terms of the practical issues turn it over to the school to make sure you can handle drop off and pickup realistically. Sounds like you should take the places. Hope it goes well.

Today we nipped in to hand in the workbooks we’d been asked to complete whilst I dropped of my girl who only started last week. Spoke to the head of juniors about the class and she said she will have a look at what can be done .

Ok that’s great. Fingers crossed.

We have 3 drop off/pick up areas at our school (R, Y1 and every one else) and I think "everyone else" is divided into two rough times. Nobody seems to mind within about 5-10 mins.