Reading with an adult

[Esptea]

DD is in year 1. She hasn't read her levelled reading book with an adult in school since October. When I've queried it with the school, they are quick to point out they read in phonics lessons and in groups. These groups are not set by ability and the level of book varies from week to week.

DD reads a school book every night at home but has not moved up a book level since October when she was last heard read. I have been commenting on the fact she is reading books fluently and with good comprehension since Christmas but with no response. The last time her teacher (or any school adult) wrote in her reading record was October.

We do read other things at home and realise it's not a race but am I justified in being concerned?

Yes. That’s very poor communication with parents. At my DDs school the reading log came home with books. We made comments in it and teacher acknowledged that weekly. DD was then given reading books each week and we repeated the exercise. Yes, it’s work for the teacher but it promotors dialogue with parents and engages them.

Has the school had a parents evening about how they teach reading and the role of parents in the partnership? I would expect this. What do they say on their web site about how they engage with parents and how they teach reading? It’s very poor in my view and I would complain to the Head. Definitely complain if it is against their reading policy.