Hurlingham School - prep Post Reply

[PoppyFloppy]

My summer born YR son is behind in reading and especially in writing. Our current school does not provide any learning support. I have heard a lot of children in “academic” schools have tutors from Reception. My son is just too young and too little, gets tired by the end of school day and his attention span is 10-15 minutes. He would not enjoy tutoring in the evening but a bit support in the school during the school day would help. I wonder if Hurlingham prep provides learning support to young children who fall behind because they are too young and immature?

[SWtastic]

Who says your child is behind - he's barely got started?  Children develop at such different rates - for some, the penny drops quickly for reading and writing, for others it takes a little longer.  Neither is a problem.  My two developed at completely different rates and there's no comparison between their progress.  They're now early 20s and are at uni, so it hasn't been a problem at all.

Take it with a pinch of salt and allow him to start reading at his pace, otherwise you'll put him off forever.  Tutoring at that age is ridiculous.  A child of that age should be playing, exploring the world, spending time with his friends and family and enjoying school.  Please don't make him feel he is inadequate in any way - let the other parents tutor their kids, if that really is happening, and let your son find his way at his own speed.

[VitMac]

I can relate a bit as my son was in the same situation. Slightly behind in reading and considerably behind in writing. Nothing truly to worry about as he's just in reception. Regardless, we've moved him to Hurlingham School and it has been nothing short of fantastic. The staff is very caring and the kids have lots of fun. He's made lots of friends and I can see they care for each other. We're kept well informed of everything that is happening. We keep constantly getting pictures of his day at school. And he's improved a lot both in reading and writing.

We have good state schools locally. Honestly I'd not be very worried about his education long term. Independent schools can be quite expensive, but if money is not a concern, Hurlingham is certainly a very good choice.

[PoppyFloppy]

@VitMac: Thank you very much for your feedback and reassurance.

@SWtastic: current school Reception teachers keep scaremongering about how behind the child is and how difficult Year 1 will be.

[Btwmum]

Is your kid currently at a state or independent school?
The scaremongering from the teacher is a big red flag, I would address it with the head and if this is is still an issue I feel you need to change schools. As many must have told you, kids develop at different speeds, and it is pretty normal for a summer kid to be behind for a few years. The problem here is with the school not with your kid and a school that makes parents or kids feel bad because they are a bit behind in reception is really not good.
Consider small schools, with small classes, where the programme is tailored to the level of the kid, like Dolphin in Northcote, Eveline in Balham or the White House.

[CCgayton]

My son who is now in year one attended Hurlingham school in his reception year. We had exactly the issue you’re describing, he is summer born and struggles to sit still for long periods. I was told he was ‘falling behind’. I responded to say I don’t mind, he will catch up eventually. But I was told he wanted to attend the school I would have to pay extra for support for him, at a cost of £100 PER DAY. So I moved him at the end of reception year. They were really unsupportive and made me feel like he had a problem when in reality he was just a four year old boy who wanted to run and climb and play. It was a real shame.

[PoppyFloppy]

Thank you @Btwmum. My son is currently in a small independent school, but not one of those you listed. He is keen on football and playing violin. That's why I am looking for a larger but nurturing school that has football club and music lessons/orchestra.

Thank you @CCgayton for your feedback. I will be more careful.