DD1 went to our catchment comp. Not the best school in the area, but when we looked around we liked the atmosphere and the teaching staff seemed friendly and dedicated. DD1 also wanted to stay with her friends from primary. DD1 has since done very well at this school,is in her final year and expected to do very well.
DD2 followed in DD's footsteps and is now yr8. DD2 is dyslexic and has very low self esteem. Lots of help and support given in year 7 but not so in yr8. DD in bottom set for everything with some very disruptive children. She also doesn't have the benefit of the good teachers who seem to be reserved for top sets. DD barely does any work all day except in one lesson where the teacher is excellent and always differentiates the work. Most of her work is left unchecked and unmarked, and most days she writes nothing more than the title. She doesn't get the learning support she's supposed to have and doesn't often have access to a TA. It seems as long as she isn't disruptive they are happy to leave her at the back of the class doing nothing. DD has become very demotivated and unhappy and asking to change school. Has also started having trouble with a bully. Have spoken to school on several occassions about both issues. Pointless! Was told I was expecting too much (!) and with regards to the bullying "I'll see what I can do, but at the end of the day, what can I do?"
I'm not expecting lots of written work, but I do expect her work to be fairly consisent and marked! I know what she is capable of because she consistently produces excellent work in one lesson. In the other lessons she's just left to do nothing and they don't ask/expect more from her.
The schools last Ofsted report (made after DD2 given her place) picked up on problems related to teaching children with SEN (lack of planning) and not good enough access to LS in KS3. Went ahead and sent DD2 there as no places available elsewhere locally. Now thinking maybe she would be better of somewhere else.
I recently applied to a full school in the next town with a much better Ofsted report and excellent SEN provision. Was expecting to be on the waiting list for months and really only applied in case things don't improve at current school. Was also under pressure from DD who is desparate to move schools. Anyway, a place has come up already! We're meeting the head and the SENCo in the new year, but it's a bit sudden and I'm worried I could be doing the wrong thing. DD is desparate to change school but I'm worried about how hard it might be for her.
Do I jump ship now, while we have the chance, or give up the place and wait and see what happens at current school?
Sorry it's so looooong!