Class teacher leaving, gutted

[mariagoretti]

DS1's fab class teacher has decided to retire at the end of term [shocked]. He has made loads of progress with her already, she is a natural at dealing with his ADHD and asd related behaviours, her communication with me has been outstanding. She's intuitively put in so many strategies and so much low level help that he's barely needing any official support this term and home stress levels have been so much lower.

I am so gutted as I'd hoped this year with all her help would get him all set for juniors. And school are appointing a new teacher. I don't want the uncertainty and worry of how it will be, how will he cope, should I ask for a statement now or wait till there's more chance of getting one...

I want to sit down and wail like a kid and instead I need to try and think logically so I can plan and act. And I could do with being glass half full (ie thank goodness she didn't retire in the summer, isn't it great he had at least this term) but I can't manage that .

I would ask for a statement now, as the process can be long and stressful. Also, ask her to write down exactly what strategies she uses so you can tell advise the next teacher

Transitions like this are hard on everyone, so make sure you have some time to process it. Maybe if you get something in writing from his lovely teacher you can do some of the stuff at home to make life easier :)

Ask her to write down as much as she can about how she works with him, and what she perceives his needs are, strengths etc. That can be useful for the statements, but also for his next teacher to pick it up.

Can I also ask, have you told her how good she has been with him. We so often come across professionals who are not good enough at their jobs, it is lovely to read that you have a cracking teacher there, if I were her I would feel so pleased if you praised the things she can got right.

Don't despair, the school may pick anoither really good teacher to take over. Hope you are feeling better today about it.

With regards to the statement I would request this now, you do not need school's permission to do this. Also such things can take six months to set up.

IPSEA's website is helpful and there are model letters you can use:-

www.ipsea.org.uk

You will need to write to the Chief Education Officer at your LEA and give them six weeks to reply.

Thanks very much guys, I feel today like I'm coming to terms with it better, I guess it's disappointment at having a new obstacle course to negotiate when I'd been all set for an easy and productive year.

I spoke to someone about the new teacher, and apparently they had the pick of several strong candidates, which does make me feel better. The current teacher knows I'm delighted with his progress and lack of anxiety this term, and that her hard work and skill are responsible.

We have parents evening next week, so I will ask about writing down her strategies. And we are seeing paed again soon to talk about ADOS and salt referral so I'm going to make a decision about SA request then.