Are most primary schools crap with kids who are not very academic ??

[NervousNutty]

I was discussing this with my mum today, as Ds(6) hates school and is behind with various things.

His school has a reputation for not giving a toss about these kids and only being interested in the ones that are capable of doing really well, and so far i'd have to say they are living up to that rep.

We had a detailed newsletter thing last week about what changes and improvements were going to be made in each area. There were several areas listed, inc gifted and talented but nothing listed for SN or those who are struggling.

My mum said that as far as she can remember schools have always favoured the bright kids and mostly left the not so bright kids to it.

The school has served both of my dd's very well, but then both are bright, eager and love learning. Ds is bright and eager in his own way but doesn't seem to fit the schools mould.

mychild, don't wish your children had disabilities or learning difficulties- you have no idea how hard that is or how insufficient the funding is

my ds gets extra help with his writing because his wrists are too weak- don't you think he would happily change a life of daily pain for less attention from the teacher? he hates getting help because he thinks that will mean his mates think he is dim

just being able to do the same as other children in an average sort of way is a wonderful blessing- don't knock it! I'd give anything for my children to have that!

and I have never yet met a parent who feels good about their child having learning difficulties because that means extra help from the teacher

No school can afford to neglect any group of children - whether G&T, SEN, averagely bright or averagely struggling a bit. The Ofsted requirements are such that we have to provide evidence of improvement - so if a child enters Reception with a score of X on the Bury Infant Check (something that happens in the first half term, usually), we have to be able to show that they've moved up a level or a half level by the following year.

Primary children are tracked to within an inch of their lives - there is constant monitoring. So while yes, the school is happy to have great SATs results etc, it's equally important that they can prove all children have improved from where they started from, even if the child starts right at the bottom for their age and leaves slightly off the bottom for their age.

mychild - I am a Chair of Governors. My children are rubbish at sports and very average at acting. They get no preferential treatment, nor would I ever allow them to. And I can't think of a single Governor who would.

I did feel a bit miffed when my friend got to go hospital the other day and I didn't. True, I wasn't ill and she was, but why should she have all that extra attention and all those resources squandered on her, just because she happened to need them?

I know friends who have children who are struggling have to fight tooth and nail for every little bit of support.