Should I move DD to another school?

[User323676890]

DD is 7 and has just been diagnosed with dyslexia. School so far have been supportive (we had a private assessment) and their SEN provision is known to be good.

DD has been meeting expectations all along, although it’s now clear not meeting her potential. She’s in a one form entry school, where she is happy. Her particular class is quite challenging, there are a number of disruptive kids, quite a bit of difficult behaviour (which is only getting worse as they get older). Some very gifted kids too, and it feels like the two ends of the spectrum command the time and attention.

DD’s confidence is low as she is aware she’s been finding things more difficult than her able peers. Hopefully with targeted support she’ll now get help to thrive. However the class environment isn’t going to change and I know that noise and distractions are a factor in DDs difficulties.

We could move her to a private with smaller classes (15ish) who cater for dyslexia. However it would be a stretch. We’re in an 11+ area, the secondaries aren’t attractive.

Our dilemma is would it be better to leave her where she is until the end of primary, happy and secure but probably not in the most ideal environment, and save the money for private secondary? What will have most influence on her confidence and attainment long term?

Thanks for any insight!

The idea that all children in private schools, especially where there are SEN children, are working a year ahead is absolute nonsense and you possibly don’t understand how extension work is used by good teachers in state schools. My DD went to a top girls’
Prep and the vast majority were no different from state school children. They got plenty into WA and CLC from their scholarship stream, but they taught individual subjects for CE. The standard curriculum was more or less the same and the state one is now much more of a challenge which is why DCs start to struggle.

OP - you cannot guarantee Private school teachers are uk qualified or have any relevant SEN training at all. My local independent (where DD started school) had a mottly crew of unqualified teachers and certainly several who would never ever be employed in a state school. They didn’t know the first thing about SEN or differentiation. They just moved children down a year or two to suit their abilities so they just repeated everything. Obviously schools vary but be aware they might sell you something they don’t actually deliver.

ISI reports are pretty useless. More or less a PR job for many schools and way lower standards than Ofsted expect. They are a sort of inspection club of back-scratching friends.

The only way to look at a school to see if it delivers is to delve into what they actually achieve for the children. Is the senco up to date? Is classroom practice first rate? What extra help and facilities are you paying for? Who pays for reports from specialists and Ed psychs if you need them? There is a lot to think about.

I also think you currently have a poor teacher who needs better class management techniques. Children should settle at this age. Boys as well as girls. What is the Head doing about it?

I know this is an old thread but I’m in a similar situation, wondering whether to move DD7 from her current state school to an independent school following her dyslexia diagnosis.

I really feel the next three years of primary school are critical for her and I want to give her the best possible chance. I’m worried about leaving her in her state school where she has been not making the progress she should be and only just getting by with a lot of help at home. But on the other hand the pastoral care is wonderful and she is so happy there and worry a move could therefore be really counter productive. Also her sister is in a younger year and they would miss each other terribly - but moving both would be a big financial stretch

What did you decide OP and how did it work out?