I have just spent an hour at LA playschool learning about funding and the targets they set. As I am one of those people that has to digest information....I haven't yet formed an opinion.
Basically, they have a list of "goals" that they observe the child obtaining and then document this. They structure some activities so that they can see if the child is able to obtain the goals, and when the child receives a funded place (the term after they are 3 - so September...) they concentrate on this a little more.
That fact that I had read these goals and were aware of the documents that they based their care on surprised them a great deal. I found this very sad. Maybe I'm a nerd who reads everything...
I asked how much pressure they put on a child to achieve these goals or take part in the activities - they say very little. I explained my concerns about pushing learning activities putting children off learning, and they did seem aware of this. They like to encourage the activities, but can see that if the child is not interested then the child will not learn and they will not get to tick it off on their form and so do not "push" to complete the activity.
They asked me which school she would be attending - and I explained that at the moment we were not expecting her to be attending any. But that this was open to review and we couldn't say for certain. They have given me a handout, which has the "correct letter formations" on it.
They did seem very aware of HE and not at all down on it as a concept. We talked about the opportunities for socialising and learning with others that were around locally and the playschool leader said that if I needed some advice or to get hold of documents or contacts in the LEA, to let her know and she would help.
Meanwhile, I have been gently opening the way with Little Acorn - explaining to her that not everyone goes to school and some lucky children get to stay at home with Mummy and do lots of fun things.
I have to work this afternoon, and so will absorb this information as I am driving around Leicestershire.
Meanwhile - a real shocker: I have just seen Middle Acorn in the co-op with a BOY!!!
I went to speak to her, but she pretended it was all normal and fine and didn't acknowledge the fact she was with a BOY at all. I didn't feel it was appropriate to start asking him about his intentions....at least, not in the co-op!!
6 comments:
I think different places manage differently to jump through the hoops without affecting the children overly. The nursery that Big was at until she was 3 seemed excellent at arranging everything via self-led play right up til they hit three, then suddenly everything was preparing for school, including learning how to sit and wait your turn, which I thought was overdoing it rather.
The current place is a lot better at following the children, and they don't ever seem to feel pressured.
Oh, hello, you seem reasonably new on here :0)
I think it's down to how the framework is interpreted. I've just taken receipt of the new Early Years Foundation Stage bumf (I'm a registered childminder) and I think alot of it boils down to how it is interpreted.
If I thought for a minute that it would require me to ticksheet and teach small children 'how to read' (for example) I'd pack it in (as a home-edder whose own eldest children didn't learn to read until they were ready for it - after they were 7).
However, as Jax says, some early years settings go rather overboard - and yes, I would agree that quite a bit of it appears to be preparing them for school, which seems rather bonkers for a 3 year old!
Yes! I am new here!!
I think I'll probably "suck it and see" with the playschool. They seem very approachable. They have said they won't include my daughter in the "Preparation for school" activities Jax.
My daughter doesn't appear to be expecting to start school anytime soon when I asked her she said "when I'm 10" ... so I'll go with that.
Dottyspots - you seem to pop up everywhere I look ! Hello.
Thanks for replying
Hm, they said that at my daughter's nursery too I'm afraid. And then they sent her home with a homework book of letters that we were supposed to do together, and when I took it back and said no thanks, they said that's alright, we know you already do lots with your daughter, it's really aimed at the parents who don't.
One of my daughter's friend's mother spent the entire evening filling his book with pictures for him...which seemed to miss the point rather.
Hmmmm, I suppose I am in a few places :0)
Have to say, we're not considering nursery. Nin goes to 'pre-school' a couple of mornings a week, but they appear to be pretty laid back and don't seem to be on a power trip when it comes to producing bits of paper (etc.), quite often children come out with decorated biscuits etc. and Nin doesn't because she's been doing other things (rather than being forced to produce 'something' with a workers 'help' which is something I know happens in some places) - either that or she's a stubborn like her mum and just digs her heels in :0)
I know a few of the other children (and mums) that attend and they also choose whether they're painting etc. and so not every child appears with a piece of paper (or similar) at the end of the day.
I am suspicious, however, of nursery and don't see that it's anything we won't be able to achieve at home - also, once we get regular local meetings off the ground, there will be more play opportunities with other children for Nin than at present, which will also be a help.
One of mine decided to go to school when he was 9 and is doing fine (he's almost 11). I'd have preferred him to continue to be HE-ed, but wanted to ensure that he had the opportunity to choose as he's a sensible boy. He knows if things don't work out in the future there's always an alternative :0D
hi,
welcome to the blogring! If you would like to meet other leicestershire home ed families why not come to our next session at the syston home ed group? The group is aimed at children up to the age of 8 and we have a nice mix of ages in the group. I'll put more details on my blog (quietly making noise).
tammy
Post a Comment