Is it hard to get help from school?

[littlemiss06]

I went to my daughters yr 1 parents evening in November and her class teacher said she had made pretty much no progress since reception, she is below level 1 at NC levels, she had poor concentration, they couldnt get her to write more than a few words in her work book, she didnt join in class discussion, messed about rather than listening hence they moved her carpet place to the front, struggled to work with numbers above 5, tried hard with reading and could blend a little but often sounded out a word and then said a totally different word, shes on stage 1 of her ort books, she just never gets her spellings no matter how hard we try, she shouts out a lot when she shouldnt so I asked her teacher how long we left her like this before getting help for her, he said he wasnt sure and would speak to the headteacher.

I also spoke to the headteacher who said she was really behind when she went to the school in reception and he would look at her work and levels and get back to me.

They had their normal school assessments in December and I spoke to him again after one of the christmas concerts where he told me he had observed her in class and felt there was definately something with her but he couldnt put his finger on what it was and yes her levels were still below level 1 so she is still behind. He said he was going to speak with the senco and they would get round to sorting her out, she is on a list but they have a few children with more severe needs who they need to deal with first.

Yesterday my partner was on the phone to the headteacher about another thing and the headteacher mentioned our daughter, he said I havent phoned because nothing has changed, he said her levels are the same but she did however do a guided task and did good in it so hes not doing anything because he doesnt feel there is a problem with her learning.

I'm a bit confused now as theyve only been back in two days but the last time I spoke to him regarding the tests he said yes they are all really low still and shes still coming out as well behind for her age.

We have some trouble at home as well with her, shes very hardwork and on the go all the time, she also has sensory things going on like her bobble has to touch her head in the right place and be tight, her shoes laces cant be to near the floor, her waist band has to be really tight the list goes on. We feel there is something with her (shes adopted as well and her mum drank whilst pregnant with her) but I just wondered whether it sounds like the headteacher is just fobbing us off, I cant see how he can tell me all her tests were well below average and now in one area shes done good so hes leaving her. Someone did warn me on here that its hard to get support from school and wondered if it sounds like this is just whats happening here.

Hi

I work for Stockton Parent Support, albeit in a Marketing capacity. They offer help and support to children with special needs and their parents. I would say from my own experience working with this group that there is certainly something going on with your child and please seek help before it is too late - i.e. her education will be affected. She may for example suffer from foetal alcohol syndrome problems and other spectrum disorders.... ADD ADHD - she needs a diagnosis....so that you can all get help and support ....perhaps even meds.... I know of many parents who have been fobbed off or don't get the right help in school. You might want to look at our website and contact one of our mums too stocktonps.org.

Thanks for you reply Jacqui, we have always felt there has been something different with her, we have 3 birth children so do know what were doing, we have some really good days when you think is there actually anything wrong and then other days were your just desperate for someone to tell you whats wrong, shes a loving little girl but struggles to keep friends, she seems to have friends but noone very close because she falls out with them all the time, we have a little puppy and theres not a day goes by were she doesnt hurt him several times a day she is so rough with him, we can tell her things and they just go over her head, she also has a very poor memory for example she doesnt know her birthday even though we repeatedly tell her the basic details such as address and birthday.

I phoned the school nurse well before christmas and spoke to a really nice lady who said it sounded like something was going on but our nurse was off so she left her a message, we never heard back and so yesterday I took her to the docs and we have just been referred to camhs. Her dad said to the headteacher when he said he doesnt feel she has a problem with learning her dad said well its not the same here shes very hectic but weve been referred now to camhs.

I'll have a look at that website, thanks again :)

Hi

We also have a facebook page where you can talk to other mums and I am sure get the advice and support you need. I write because my own Manager's child was ignored in terms of schooling although clearly acknowledged as apparently disinterested (not the same as having ADHD), and disruptive.... She is now 13 and all these years the parents have been fobbed off through being told it was behavioural..... She now has a diagnosis and is on meds and is a different child...by the way she too has OCD....tendencies... It is a tragedy that something isn't done in terms of the best way to tackle education until it just before key examinations...and the child needs to do a lot of work to catch up even with a disability.... Keep pushing - you will be rewarded when you have a diagnosis and the right advice and you will see a positive change.... Good Luck.