Y2/3/4 in the same class?

[EmmatheStageRat]

My DD2’s school (small village primary) has just announced this configuration for September. Is this bonkers? Isn’t this a massive workload for the class teacher? And, in your opinion, which year group will miss out?

I love my DD’s school, but she has had the same class teacher for three years (YR/Y1/2) and now I hear this. Am I being a bit PFB, even though she’s my second child, or will it be okay?

I don't teach primary but I think it doesn't sound ideal.

However, I can't imagine the school will have done this without thinking it through - I imagine they've chosen the configurations that enable them to be financially viable. Are these three year groups especially small?

Ultimately, I very much doubt the school is going to change this because you have concerns, so either you see how it goes or you move your child to a larger school if possible..

Not ideal but I think 2/3/4 is better than R/1/2. It would be quite difficult to settle the reception children around more formal teaching to prepare the year 2s for SATs. Hopefully there is a good TA to take groups. If the school only has the numbers for 3 classes, this new configuration is what I would go with.

My biggest concern as a parent would be having the same teacher for too long as all teachers have things they're better at/ more enthusiastic about.

I have taught in a few schools with mixed age classes and my children attended one; I like them and find the younger children in the group get a huge advantage as a they see what the older children are doing and have the opportunity to try things earlier than they normally would.

Not ideal and yes huge workload but it's what many schools do. I would say it will benefit the Y2s much more than it would Y4s. What's the class size and is there any general TA time? I wouldn't move my child because of it, whereas I've experienced Y3-6 together and feel that really is a step too far!

Thanks so much for the replies, they’re very helpful. I have spoken to the head about this and she knows I have concerns. It is a magnificent school with brilliant teachers and will probably shortly be rewarded with an Ofsted Outstanding inspection grade (the next inspection, due in the autumn term, is a Section 5 inspection). My DD2 spent her YR/1/2 with the same teacher and now, as a Y3 pupil, she has the configuration of Y2/3/4.

Just as a word of caution, I wouldn't be so certain about the Outstanding grade - lots of Section 5s result in a Section 8 a year later because the new curriculum requirements are so difficult (especially in small schools where teachers are leading many subjects). Lots of small schools in my area are struggling with it.

@Semtee ,

My older DD (now 23) was in a mixed R/y1/y2 class when she was in R & y1 and the more able were moved into a y2/3/4 class when she was going up to y2. Her year was split with the less able staying with the younger ones and the more able going up. Despite being the youngest to move, she flew and loved the challenge.

Initially I was really apprehensive, mostly because despite her ability, chronologically and emotionally she was only just 6 when she moved up, whereas some of the oldest in the class were almost 9. However, her teacher was simply amazing. I voiced my fears, she listened, nodded and said "let's give it a go." This was a small village school with only 3 classes. DD moved into a class of around 20, so she did get plenty of attention.