I don't WANT a parent helper to write comments about dd1's reading in her reading book!

[pilote]

Is she a teacher? NO! Am I being totally unreasonable to ask her teacher who this person is and what her qualifications are? The TA already does most of the reading and handwriting practice with dd1, what is her bloody teacher doing all day fgs.

YABU

I am a Volunteer Reading Friend and I have 2 kids 1/2 hr a week for a whole term. I was asked to do a 5 week course and then went to work in school.

Each child has a book where I list which book they have read, what they thought of it and what they acheived. All comments are positive, even if all they did was stay sat on the chair. The book is then given to the child at the end of the term and they can see what progress they have made.

Some children are not lucky enough to be read to or have books. Sharing books with children is important and tracking the progress made is helpful to all involved. Child, school and parent.

Blimey! What a minefield!

My DD starts reception in January and she's desparate to learn to read. My first thoughts when reading all your posts was that I could see no problem with parent helpers and that it would be something that I would happily do. However, hearing comments about how some of them tittle tattle in the playground is terrible. Whilst its always nice to hear if your child is doing well you still don't want it being bandied about to all an sundry.

And the thought of volunteering to do this and have other Mums/Dads/Guardians etc ignore you because of it is rather off putting as well.

I'm surprised at the playground chat. I'm sure all our parent helpers sign a confidentiality agreement and nothing that goes on in the classroom is for general gossiping about later on.
If anyone feels that their dc's progress is being discussed then I think it needs to be brought to the attention of the HT.

In our school when we go in and volunteer to read we are not allowed to make comments in reading diary, only in the school records.

ALL helpers should have at least a list 99 done on them (a borough list to see if they aren't on the sex offenders register.) I was a parent helper for a year, liked it so much went on to be a TA (unpaid as I'm pregnant and cant leave my regular job due to losing maternity benefits.But when babes is here I want to apply for a paid position.)
Teachers and TA's are very busy in the classroom and have you any idea how many children don't read at home? I go in on mondays and the same children don't get the support they need and I work one to one with them for reading.

Just be grateful someone is listening to the children read. There are some parents that don't and it's the kids that suffer.

Parent helpers dont get the recognition they deserve IMO

Isn't List 99 only applicable to proper teachers though and includes details of those who have been struck off for medical/professional misconduct reasons etc.

CRB checks should be done on anyone who is left alone with children.