levels

[swissrole]

Is it reasonable to ask for my daughters levels at the end of yr1? I would like to help bring her on and do some work at home.Btw I do not want to challenge the teachers judgement or compare her to her peers.

I'm not a teacher but I think that should be fine. If I was you I'd ask for a quick chat with the teacher and explain your thinking behind it.

At the end of Reception we all had a chat with the teacher and got to see our childs levels privately.

The teacher looked very upset when i asked and mumbled something about not being sure if i was allowed to know [hmm}

That's a bit odd. All the focus of education at the moment seems to be on measuring a child's ability but your not supposed to know the results. I'd ask again.

I think if the results are held on a computer then you have the right to request them on behalf of your dd.

it feels like a reasonable request but looks as if i may have to insist. I have been refused access to information before this, and commented that any info that is openly available to staff should also be made available to parents - surely? Are there any teachers that can explain what i might be missing?

I would ask, and then as you say you can do appropriate stuff at home through the holidays. I was told at parents evening.

sorry to barge in/hijack, but I've noticed on a lot of threads and in RL, that lots of parents are having similar problems. i.e. wanting to find out how their young DCs are doing at school, and wondering what they can do at home to encourage and supplement them, but facing a brick wall. lots of parents seem to be getting reactions as if they're pushy or interfering. I don't geddit

what's wrong with being involved?!

Good point MMM, I personally have had a few problems recently with my DD and her reading at school, thankfully ok now I think, and I felt awkward and as if I was interfering in the "closed shop" environment that school seems to be. Sorry, but my child is my priority and I wasnt going to sit back and watch.

I wonder if some wise M/netter knows the legal position on this? I too had conerns about reading but that's easier to monitor because you know what books they are bringing home and which level corresponds to which NC level, but with maths, for eg, I'm getting no feedback, other than that he is a good middle and I've no idea where that is on the NC levels for maths and I'd like some indication about what extra to do with him to bring him on.

Squash pie - I'd phone the LEA - ours are very helpful.

Yes indeed. at the beginning of this yr i made an enquiry about reading/groupings and the teacher got very touchy and refused to tell me anything.

At the time my opinion was that any information the school holds on the children should also be available to parents. I was concerned that my child was struggling to access the curriculum and that was the only reason i was asking questions. i was told my child was not ready to read and that i should not 'push' him. I didn't pursue it because it got to the point where the teacher said she felt she was being picked on So i took the matter in my own hands and taught her to read myself. After christmas the teacher was amazed by her progress.
At a recent parents evening the same teacher dropped it into the conversation that she was 'very concerned' about my child at the beginning of the year. I am shocked that i was not privvy to this information at the time when i too was asking questions. So i am sure you all understand my feeling of exasperation to now be told that i cannot have her end of year levels.This is becoming utterly ridiculous - its not as if i am a pushy mum, i think i have been quite accomodating but i am becoming increasingly irritated.

maybe some teachers resent feeling as though they are being told how to do their job, IYSWIM?

mention the Data Protection Act

Our reports go out today and all, from Year 1 to 6 have levels on for reading, writing, speaking and listening and maths and science for yrs 5 and 6 We also have a "chart" which shows the expected range of levels for each subject so parents can see whether their child is above below or roughly average against national expectations.

Yes i do see what you mean although i only want to know the levels so i can do some work at home with him that is appropriate. I hope that there should be no need to tell the teacher how to do her job - after all she is a professional

Legally, schools only have to report levels at the end of each key stage (Y2 and Y6).

However, I believe that if you ask you are entitled to be told (I think). Certainly I can't see why a parent would not be told.

But far more useful to know would be surely be your child's next step - what do they need to know next? Then you can help accordingly.

Does the data protection act mean that i am entitled to this information?

I think you are probably entitled anyway.

Yes, perhaps i could ask although last time i asked i was told not to push him. This is why i thought it would be a good idea to ask for levels at the end of the academic year as i know the class have been assessed. Also i am a secondary school teacher and levels are what i am used to working with.

Like I said, I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't give them to you!

Thanks Feenie, I shall get to the bottom of this. Thanks to everyone for the sound advice.

I asked (my dd is in p1) She is at 1a and would be at 2c if her writing could improve as shes reading at level 2a and numeracy is level 2c.The mind boggles

Teacher was v helpful and suggested we work on writing over hols. DD is left handed and does struggle

There are some fun, short activities here for writing, if they're any use to you.

Brilliant thanks!!

No probs. Hope you have fun