My daughter has just begun Junior School, and she is happy and excited in her lovely new uniform. On Friday us parents were invited to a meet the teacher session which was overall very positive. Unfortunately we also found out that my daughters class has absolutely no teaching assistant support at all. Last term we were told that due to cuts we were only to have a TA once or twice a week. Now nothing. The other classes in her year are more in need.
The teacher asked if anyone would like to volunteer to read with children, or help them with handwriting, or show them an interesting new skill etc. I am the class representative, and I am asking the other parents if there is anything they can do to help. Which feels positive and supportive.
At the same time I am angry and upset because I think our children will now be in a class which has to be very tightly controlled, the emphasis will have to be on rules, boundaries and discipline because how else can one teacher manage thirty 7 – 8 year olds?
My daughter was 6 two weeks ago. She is one of the youngest in her class and school exhausts her. She is clever and sociable and so she is coping well, but I worry that she is showing signs of stress. She’s only seven! She is angry and withdrawn some afternoons after school.
I think this is a good opportunity for schools and parents to bond, and to show mutual support. I really love our schools, I don’t want to feel angry like this. I hope I can do something to help.
