Miffed about class allocation

[kingandjack]

Hi all

DC2 is starting reception in September (currently at the same school nursery) and just been diagnosed with ASD - which the school is aware about.

My DCs school seem to allocate younger siblings in the same class that their older siblings attended.

However, DC2 has been allocated a different class to her (NT) sibling.

There are many kids in DC1s class that have siblings joining reception in September and ALL have been allocated to their older siblings class.

I was going to leave it and not question the school but it’s been really bothering me.
Is my child being discriminated as a SEN child? Why hasn’t she been allocated the same class as DC1?

What’s worse is that DC1s reception teachers is the EYFS/Phase leader so it’s unlikely that DC2 has been put in the other class because she’ll be “better supported” in the other class.

Should I speak up about this or not?

TIA

Why does it matter, I'm puzzled?

I read your post 3 times and still really don't understand why you're annoyed she's not been put in the same class her sister was in?

I really wish parents could see what gets taken into consideration when classes are allocated 🙄

What difference does it make?

this

I’m not sure what you mean by the same class? As in younger siblings are put with the same teacher their older sibling had at their age? Why would they do this?
There are many reasons dc2 might have been allocated a different class. Maybe they have a TA experienced with autism. Often the phase leader is actually out of class more and other staff cover, which may not be ideal for a child with autism.
Bottom line, don’t assume discrimination, they know what they’re doing and will be doing the best for your child. Just ask them.

I doubt they’ll allocate kids the same teacher as siblings as a rule - that’s impractical and asking for trouble.

Much better to allocate on the best provision for that child rather than what classroom their sibling was in.

I really don't see why you're miffed.

Are these mixed age classes? If not then why does it matter if they are in the same class that their older sibling WAS in. Even if these are mixed age classes it doesn't sound like it's a great idea to have siblings together especially if one has additional needs. It might be good for NT sibling to not be with sibling all day in school and all the time at home.

Because this reception teacher has a good reputation and I’d like to think my SEN child would be better with an EYFS leader.

Also, why have they not followed the same process for DC as every other kid then? I think I’m valid in questioning this

@LucyLastik why don’t you tell us then? Because you obviously seem to know

Probably because they think your child would be better in the other class with the other teacher. Do you really want her in a class where her teacher is likely to be out at least once if not 2-3 times a week?

The policy sounds batshit to be honest and not at all in the best interests of the children so I'd actually be very pleased they are clearly putting your child's needs first.

But you don’t know the process?
I would be very surprised if the process was to place children in the same class their older sibling was in 😂
This is giving “I know better how to run an EYFS unit than actual professionals”

I really don't see why this matters and it's a very odd way to decide classes.

maybe @combinationpadlock could share their knowledge too

They have to balance out SEN, allergies, ages, sexes ... maybe they always try and get younger siblings to follow but it isn't always possible and unfortunately it just didn't work for your dc2 this year?

The phase leader will have responsibilities outside her class and so is likely to be out of her class and a substitute used more than the other teacher. Does your ASD child cope well with change or do they do better with things remaining as consistent as possible?

If this is different from the norm, I dont see the harm in asking. It's not a complicated thing to answer.

My guess would be either there are more children with SN than you are aware of and they are trying to balance it out or the other teacher is better with your child's type of sen - possibly having done training.

At the end of the day it is the school’s decision to make and not yours. Children are not entitled to certain teachers.

Not sure why they'd want to to be honest. Several posters have already explained multiple reasons why this decision was probably made but you don't seem to want a logical explanation you just seem to want her to be the other class regardless of whether it's actually in her best interests or not...

EYFS leader is more likely to have regular time out of the classroom to do management stuff so the other class may end up giving your child more consistency, maybe that (along with the many many other things) was a consideration?

@Mumofteenandtween DC2 has coped well with a number of different TAs throughout this academic so I don’t think that’s an issue. Thank you

I would assume this has more to do with the mix of kids in the class. Personalities, extra needs.
I have to agree with others that this is a bizarre system if it is truly what always happens.

What’s the class set up that they have multiple classes per year group yet mixed age classes?

I actually think in a lot of cases not being in the same class as a sibling is a bonus. I think when there are additional needs at play being in separate classes is often even more important for the sibling to stop them falling into the role of carer/protector in the classroom.

you have chosen the teacher you want your child to have, but your choice is not taken into account, even if you feel the reasons are valid (which they don't look like they are likely to be tbh). It is not up to you