End of year report

[Marmaladesarnie]

Would you say this is a positive, negative or neutral report?

it’s my sons reception report, He is 5 not in uk but school follows general uk style.

X is a very interesting character to listen to. He has such a vast knowledge about lots of different topics and has a superb memory for facts which he is always willing to discuss with a familiar adult. X prefers to work in small groups as he can feel a little bit anxious if he is not sure what to do. X loves all areas of the classroom, from the block play area to the role play, he really enjoys exploring these areas with his friends. X likes to know what is happening during the day and responds well when we use our class routine board. I wish X every success in Year 1.

Very teacher talk. Neutral I would say. I would guess 10 other children have the same report.

@TortolaParadise I’m of course biased but he’s a lovely little boy. His parent consultations have been really positive and I’ve asked a number of times if I can support him in anyway and always told no he’s doing everything he should. I agree this is really neutral, but the reports I write for classes are 90% positive 10% neutral and that’s only for the kids where I struggle to say much positive. Am I just too generous with my niceness?

As something to look back over when he’s older it’s just so lacking

Lots of positives there - interesting conversation, knowledgeable, good memory, explores all areas not just a couple of favourites. It sounds like the teacher has got to know him and what works well for him, and I'd say it was a positive report overall. There's nothing negative - just a recognition that he works best when he knows what's coming next, and can be a bit anxious at times - which are things that might be useful for you and his next teacher to know. Being anxious isn't "negative".

It might be the culture of the school. I have worked in schools where reports are expected to be neutral; read by your line manager and returned to you for 'fixing'. Perhaps this may be the case. He is settled, happy and thriving so well done to you, your son and school.👏

Do you frame the negatives positively when you write your reports?
For example, X is a high spirited child. Y is often a lively child. I would consider these comments generously nice. I would write.....Sometimes X/Y needs additional adult support to.....

Thank you @TortolaParadise i didn’t realise some schools aim for that, my school send them back if they are too negative!

Im high school, but tend to go for the crap sandwich approach of X has shown great potential in subject and has great vocabulary, X needs to be mindful of his impact on the learning of others. If X continues to develop his listening skills I am confident he will achieve his potential in subject.

Reports I write are also mid year so there’s time to do something with the info, surely these end of year ones are more of a reflection on the year and something to keep to look back on in future.

School have asked for feedback so I will carefully mention lack of praise.

How is there a lack of praise? There are quite a few positive comments in there. Are you sure you're not just unhappy with them highlighting the child's anxieties and preference for routine?

@WayDownInTheHole Im glad to hear you think it’s ok, a few family members have all said I’m overthinking too. I would much rather be wrong than right in this.
The anxious/routine comment is not a surprise at all.

Honestly, I think you're overthinking it. I don't see any issue with this report at all.

Sounds like a positive report to me!

I don’t think there’s a lack of praise. I do think it is hinting at potential send though - anxious, small group, needs routine, memory for facts.

It’s describing your child in the classroom. None of it is negative.

It's a factual report - the issues that have been highlighted are not unusual and would apply to many of the children eg the reference to the class routine board - everyone (including adults) feels better if they know what the plan is for the day.

Sounds like that has been C&P from a template bank and added into the report. Hasn’t really been tailored to individual. That said though. What can you expect? The pressures on teachers nowadays, not always going to have the time to sit and write potentially over 100 reports as well as plan and teach lessons, mark books, assessment, entering data plus all other teacher associated tasks.
The headteacher comment on reports, I changed a few years back to ‘SLT comment’ and we split these - I certainly do not have the time to be writing summary comments on 475 reports. Me, my DHT and AHT do them.

It is fine. It contains plenty of praise with a few things mentioned that he finds tricky. It is worded in a positive way. If you complain about an accurate, positive report, no one will be able to respond. If it was me I would be completely flummoxed as to why you are upset. Reports are meant to give feedback. This one does.