Composite classes

[JLeigh29]

I agree with Trillian about the work that goes into classes...it's a minefield! Marydean also made excellent points about the teacher themselves having a huge impact on the class environment (and Peanutter illustrated the point perfectly with her story - obviously a poor teacher).

I'd give your daughter a while to settle into her new class, but I'd also speak to the school pronto with your concerns about the bullying and lack of friends to ask for their rationale behind their decision. Hopefully they put real thought into it and can explain exactly what went into making their choices, thus putting your mind at ease. You could also mention that the rationale behind their class decisions is something that every parent has a right to know, so therefore should've been communicated to parents clearly last year, saving a lot of worry and questions this year. If you are still concerned about how your daughter is settling in a few weeks, or if the bullying recurs, follow it up. I'm a huge fan of communication, so I'd see you as being a caring, interested parent rather than a pita!! I'd have loved a class full of parents like you.

Also, it may seem like 'all' the students with learning and behavioural difficulties are in the one class, but I'd suspect the other classes have their fair share of those students too.

And, as a pp said, 'final numbers' may still impact on class sizes and make up. Our classes were always provisional until day eight.

Apologies if this isn't clear as I'm up to my eyeballs in feeding/burping newborn and Lego criminals! 1

[LuluHB]

I'm a painful parent. At the end of last year I discovered that a particular teacher was moving from PP to year 1 and I informed the school that under no circumstances was my child to be in her class. I'd rather be known as a painful parent but be acting in what I considered to be the best interests of my child, than a parent who just shuts up to get along.

Having said that, I would give your DD some time to settle in and then see if you need to ask for her to be moved. I would however voice my concerns to both her current teacher as well as the principal or deputy - that way they know what the issues are from the outset (the bullying and lack of placement with at least one friend being a huge one), but you are demonstrating that you are at least willing to go with their judgment at this point. Good luck.