I don't understand a phrase in ds's report - anyone got any ideas ?

[sitdownpleasegeorge]

ds is in reception and his report states that he is "working within Phase 4" (I think in respect of reading/writing).

What does this mean and is it O.K.

I thought I was fairly clued up about reception/KS1 stuff but obviously I'm not.

Thanks in advance for any answers that anyone might have.

Phase 4 is from 'Letters and Sounds' which is a phonics based programme that most schools have introduced recently to help teach reading and spelling. It is in 6 phases and is supposed to cover all of Key Stage 1 (Infants)
If he's at Phase 4 then he's doing fine
This link might help you
www.somersham.cambs.sch.uk/officialdocuments/YR_Welcome_Pack_08-09/Letters%20and%20Sounds.pdf

For our foundation stage ds, has 'working within early learning goals' typed under the teacher assessment, so I have interpreted that as each area of learning he is aiming for certain aims.

e.g did the class each term have goals/aims that they work the children towards, e.g writing own name, counting to 10 etc.. like I say I think it just reflects the educational targets they hope for.

Assuming phase 4 has the same meanng as 'working within early learning goals' I'd say it's fine.. I'd ask though just to make some sense of it though.

ours gave us P level scores (1-8), but i don't think that's the same thing?

P Level scores are for those children not yet working at Level 1 (National Curriclum Level) with P1 being the lowest and P8 being nearly Level 1.
The average child would be expected to be Level 2 by the end of Year 2 and Level 4 by the end of Year 6. Obviously there are many children who will be above and below that average.
These Levels don't correspond to the 'Phases' in Letters and Sounds, it would never be that easy

lol JLo - and a spelling mistake in the link info too - i love it when a plan comes together!

Phase 4 is phonics and is where reception child should ideally be working by the end of their first year in school.
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/local/clld/las/phase_four.html

Thanks JLo2 and mrz - veeeeery informative indeed.

I now realise that he is actually working within phase 6 for reading and phase 5/phase 6 for writing/spelling.

methinks they are manipulating the data a little to leave room to show continued improvement in year one .

I'm not trying to boast, I'd be the first to admit that his writing might contain correct spellings, capitals and fullstops etc but it is still the handwriting style of a 5 year old (larger than average and a bit untidy).