Advice - 5 teachers in 3 weeks

[Northumberlandlass]

Hello - My DS has recently started in Yr1 and is enjoying it, but really feeling the change in work levels from reception.

I have posted here previously as he has moved into a class with job share teachers and I was pleased to see the positive comments in repsonse to my queries.

However, this is the beginning of week four and due to unknown reasons he has had 5 different teachers (possibly 6) in this short space of time. I am within my rights to question this ? I don't feel particularly comfortable with the situation.

Other issues have also arisen regarding the feed back from school and what is expected. I had to ask other parents, with older DC in our school for advice re homework / spellings as we haven't received any guidance at all.

I am quite disappointed. I love DS school, it really is outstanding in every aspect.

Thanks,
Mx

You are well within your right to ask and if I were you, I would speak to other parents and ask their opinions ... it's always better coming from a group rather than just one parent. You should also ask them for written information regarding reading and homework support at home. these items were given to us at the beginning of my dc's term in a kind of information pack included terms curriculum subjects and learning objectives.

Can the school really be outstanding in every aspect if you have these kinds of complaints. At the very least you should know the reasons why there have been so many different teachers (if nobody complains now this may well continue through the year). the communication regarding homework/spellings is also very poor - what kind of communication policy do they have regarding this kind of thing - we had a written info pack in week 1 and were also invited to a Parents Information Evening where all these kinds of things were talked about.

By all means speak to the Head if you are concerned about the turnover in teachers. The Head won't be able to tell you much about individuals (contracts of employment and so on are confidential) but you're entitled, I think, to ask for an explanation of what's been going on. If (say) the permanent teachers are sick or on a course and the others are supply teachers, you could ask the Head why the class can't have one supply teacher for as long as it takes, rather than a succession of them.

Schools aren't very good, IME, at explaining what they want from homework. Often they seem just to bung the worksheet in the book bag and assume that you know what to do with it. Get together with other parents and ask for an information pack and/or parents' meeting.

Thanks for your responses. My DM did the drop off at school this morning and apparently a group of 10 or so parents from DS class had a chat re concerns over teachers / lack of info.

Apparently the information packs including terms curriculum subjects and learning objectives are forth coming.

We have parent consulations in around 2 weeks, but would like it dealt with before then.

I only do the school drop off on a Friday because I work, but I will email some of the mum's I know and see if we can get together for a chat.

I am sad to say, buy1get1free that the school is not as outstanding as I thought
x

In what capacity have they had 6 different teachers? You say there is a job-share, which accounts for 2, but at least one other, if not 2, might be cover for PPA time (Planning, Preparation and Assessment, which is a statutory entitlement for all teachers - 10% of their teaching time).
Add to that mix that someone might have been ill and the numbers are mounting.
But, as others have said, it's the lack of communication that's the issue here. Your understandable questions could, and should, have been pre-empted by the school.

I think you are correct Teacher A (Mon / Tues / Wed) has only worked 4 full days due to sickness. I am unaware of the circumstances leading to the other supply teachers.

We were advised that early on in the school term we would have a meeting re curriculum / homework / more information re the job share, but that yet to be organised.

Just to add another comment into the mix - Teacher B (Thurs & Fri) is a supply currently covering maternity leave. The teacher currently on mat leave is expected to return on 1 Nov, although that hasn't been confirmed.

I think a Class parental meeting is required and then we can approach the school.

x

Hmm. Doesn't sound ideal, I admit. And I speak from the POV of a job-share teacher! Gives us all a bad name!

It is just difficult Clam. I really didn't expect to have communication problems like this, the school up until this point (DS has been in Nursery & Reception) has always been very good.

x

Are you sure they really have had all these teachers? Is it possible that your ds has been in a group working with a TA, or something like that and he has perceived it as another teacher?

Job share = 2 teachers. 1 off sick - that's 3, a TA - that's 4. And maybe another member of staff covering an afternoon of PPA time - that would be 5. And even a volunteer listening to reading might count as another teacher to a little person.

I've lost count of the number of times I have nearly made a twit of myself by complaining about something my dcs have told me about school that has turned out to be something entirely different!

Hey Seeker, I am not aware of all the teachers, supply or full time at DS School, but my DM (who only gave up supply teaching at the same school to look after DS whilst I return to work), is. My DM who drops off / collects most days has recognised the other teachers.

DS class has two TA, one is general class TA and the other only deals with an SN boy.

I really hope I am mistaken, but I don't think I am.

I appreciate your comments though, there will be a reasonable explanation, I just wish the school had let us know what was going on.

x