Teacher's opinion please

[user1489094655]

I would like to know whether you would appreciate a note about my dd and whether it would help.

My dd is starting at a new school in year 2 next week. The teacher she is having is also new to the school.

Would it help if I wrote a note to explain a little bit about my daughter. She has some problems with confidence and social situations, also she has a younger brother with additional needs which does affect her etc and she also underwent emergency surgery earlier this year which she is still recovering from emotional rather than physically.

I'm aware the school will have received her educational record from previous school but may not have info about her herself.

Would you appreciate a little note in on the first day?

As a class teacher, I'd like to meet you early on so that our first contact is not when I have to report that there's been a problem. However, the first morning is usually too busy for more than a brief hello to put faces to names. If you wrote me a note, I'd read it briefly and pass it on to the whoever is best placed to deal with it whilst I'm teaching. Put a contact number on the note where you can be reached that day as your daughter's needs would probably be better explained in a conversation.

However, it would be better if you could ring the school office the day before term begins, or pop in early on the first morning, and ask for an appointment to speak to the Family Liaison Officer as you need to share some background information about your DD's emotional needs (if there isn't one, the office will find you the most appropriate person e.g. Senco or deputy head).

Either way, whoever you speak to will pass on the information I need and this also ensures that someone in school knows everything we need to, in case the emotional needs show themselves on the first day. They will also be able to signpost you to the right people for any issues you raise, whereas, if I'm new, I might have to say I'll find out and get back to you.

Then check in with me after school one day next week so I can tell you how she is settling in and we can sort out anything that's not working.

Hope it all works out for you.

Thank you so much for your advice. There is a pastoral lady so I'll book an appointment.