SPD

[chelseamorning]

Our Year 5 son has SPD/sensory difficulties, and he has just had his end of year school report, which was glowing!

From the language used in the report, and from the discussions and feedback we have had from his teachers, we have been given the impression that they think he is a very bright, engaging and hard-working child, with ‘high-level thinking skills’, etc etc. All fabulous comments every time we speak with them.

Hs friends' parents are always complimentary about his abilities and performance at school, so we know it's not just 'proud parent syndrome'! However, the vast majority of his grades in the report state that he is ‘working at the end of year expectations for year five’. We are very surprised by this discrepancy!

Another thing we were shocked by was there was absolutely no mention of him having SPD or sensory difficulties. Do they feel that by ignoring 'the elephant in the room', it means they don't have to deal with it, or provide any additional support (he currently gets none)?! He tells us that he is bored at school and keeps asking me to ask his teachers for more challenging work.

Anyone else had the same experience with their reports?

I meant to say, glowing comments but average grades.

At age related expectation isn't an average grade -expectations have increased massively and at age related is a good thing Mumsnet is full of parents of very bright children so it can skew perceptions

Is SPD diagnosed, recognised by the school and has a personal plan in place? If not then I wouldn't expect it to be in the end of year report -if yes then there would usually be an annual review rather than it being in the end of year report

Yes, I agree we all think our children are gifted and talented! ;-) However, I'm referring to other people's comments too, including his teachers.

I do understand that the Government's criteria for assessing pupils is much stricter. I was merely commenting on the disconnect between the amazingly complimentary language in the report, compared to the grades provided. I was just curious to get other's opinions.

Yes, he has been diagnosed and re-assessed by two private OTs. School accept their reports and diagnosis, however he gets no help at all, except for allowing him to have the occasional extra movement break should it be convenient.