I Need Some Tlc

[Guest]

I desperately need someone to help me feel better about the following things:

 

1. Having to fill out all the bits on the SEF that relate to the Foundation Stage. The reason given is that no-one else knows anything about it and they trust my judgement! I have found this highly stressful as it has made me realise that the only person monitoring me is...me. I do what I think is right but that doesn't mean a great deal does it? None of us would do things deliberately wrong but sometimes you need another view to help you see things you're doing wrong or things that need tweaking. My Head and the deputy (both men, KS2 trained) say that they trust my judgement and they're happy with what they see (fleeting, pat-children-on-the-head type visits).

 

2. I've never been OFSTED-ed before (this is only my 4th year of teaching and only my second in Reception). The emphasis in the SEF on the Foundation Stage, and the fact that the Foundation Stage has its own grade in the OFSTED feedback is making me deeply nervous. This is compounded by the fact that my school is a one-form intake so the person who will carry the can if Reception is deemed to be bad is...me.

 

3. I am the only person in my school not to have had performance management this year as it keeps getting pushed onto a back-burner. I've given up even mentioning it now.

 

4. Everyone else in the school has proformas for assessment etc created for them. Guess who does everything for Reception? Yes, that's right...me. I see a need for something, say we need this and am told, 'Yes, that's okay, if you set that up that will be great'.

 

5. My Head and I worked really hard on transition issues in September to ensure that up until Christmas the Y1 children were provided with similar ways of working that they had received in Reception. This was very stressful and caused a lot of bad-feeling as the Y1 teachers, a job-share, were extremely resistant to change and are great supporters of a formal, work-sheet type of learning. However, to be fair, they did adopt, for the first 2 terms, a more hand-on, play-based environment which then changed back to worksheets after Christmas. Anyway, with a few to valueing parents'/children's views I compiled a transition questionnaire which was sent out a couple of days ago. It asked people about similarities/differences they had noticed between Reception and Y1 and how they felt their children had coped with the transition. We've only had back 4 so far but a couple of them commented that there was more emphasis on 'learning in Y1'. It's a good job that I can type because I am virtually speechless with hurt and anger and my self-belief, never my strongest point as some of you will know, is at an all time low.

 

Is this the longest, self-pitying moan to have ever appeared on the forum? If it is, perhaps I could get a prize - chocolate would be great!

 

Somebody, please say something nice as there's a big part of me that feels like telling people where they can poke their job.

Edited April 29, 2006 by Guest

[Guest]

And to think I have been toying with the idea of teaching!!(currently a nursery practitioner).

The job asks so much of you, although rewarding and a job of your choice I feel for your state of mind - your poor sausage, I am sending you my most sincere sympathies, it is Bank Holiday weekend - try to relax and big yourself up, you seem so conscientious and lovely, don't let them grind you down!

Sorry no professional advice I am not qualified or articulate enough to offer you that, merely empathy.

[Sue R]

Oh, Moose!!

 

Loads of love and hugs to you - I know how bad you must feel, but you know you've got it right for the children! Parents always seem to see paper exercises as somehow more 'valid' than real experiences, so don't let that upset you. Try regarding the comments from Head and deputy at face value - they probably really do see you as the 'expert' - after all, that's what you are! It's better to create your own paperwork that does the job than struggle with something that doesn't really fit

 

Forget it all for the weekend then go back in with the knowledge that they can't do without you! And remind them about the performance management thing!!

 

Sue xx

[Gezabel]

Oh Moose

 

I am not a teacher either but really feel for you and am sending you hugs too

 

Oh and .................

[Guest]

Hi Moose

Your post struck a chord with me but I totally agree with Sue R - you ARE the expert in your school.

Your self-doubt is only natural - I think we all feel anxious a lot of the time because Foundation is such a different way of working to KS1 and 2. (And the forum doesn't always help, either! There have been lots of posts that make me feel inadequate ) All we can do is our very best for the children we have within the constraints imposed on us by our individual settings and EY advisors. The fact that you are such a caring and reflective practitioner means you are worth your weight in gold. Be positive and keep strong

None of the staff at my school have even seen the SEF yet, let alone contribted to it! (Let's hope OFSTED don't call )

I finally had my PM meeting last week, so you nare not alone there either!

With regards to the parents' comments, do you have an FS display board where you can show the learning through play that is happening in Reception and maybe space to display some work that shows clear progression?

Can't spare you any chocolate, I'm afraid but I am sending you big hugs and tons of empathy.

Enjoy the Bank holiday.

Best wishes,

Fox xx

[JacquieL]

You are doing really well Moose. I'm afraid one of the hardest parts of the FS job is realising that other teachers, parents etc. think that it is easy because the children are small and play a lot, and that there is no learning because nothing much is written down. We know better don't we? On several occaisions parents asked if I would be allowed to move into older groups as I became more experienced, like a proper teacher !!!! I agree with ASPK that you need to have a board or something that explains what is going on.

I used to change mine each half-term and just give examples focusing on one curriculum area and what the children had learnt through the activites provided. I used photos, examples of what they produced, a few Stepping Stone statements and some ELGs and made it look attractive. Mind you I'm not sure how many people looked at it properly. Perhaps you need to have a parent's workshop now and again if you have time and can persuade your HT to provide cover.

Our LEA had a training day on the SEF part for the Foundation Stage, and they produced a self-evaluation document for all Early Years settings so it might be worth contacting your Advisory Service to see if they have anything which would back up, objectively, what you are saying. OFSTED will always ask for evidence to support the SEF and that evidence neds to be there.

Anyway well done you- you are a specialist in your area so smile with your superiority!

[Marion]

Awwwwwwwww Moose (hug)

I think its very unfair of your head to expect you to fill in the SEF alone. I am lucky in that we are a unit and there are two teachers but it was our head who completed the SEF after speaking to us (and he is a new head to the school)

As you know we were OFSTEDed in January. Part of the feedback from the inspectors was that FS isnt the easy ride many other teachers see it as in fact it is propably one of the hardest in the school. I know from your posts that you are a deaply conscientious teacher who reflects on what she does and wants the best for her children...........dont think anyone can ask any more from a teacher. Dont be afraid to show this to OFSTED. one of the things we got praise for was the fact that we were willing to adapt and change.

Again I think it reflects badly on your head that you havent been given time for Performance Management and I would think OFSTED would note this. Management is a BIG part of the new OFSTED.

 

You can NEVER please all the parents EVER. We are meeting with parents and throwing all the new research EPPE reports etc at them in an attempt to convince them that their child is learning in an age appropriate way. (My biggest critic is a Nursery Nurse who wants her child tied to a table and force fed learning He is currently nursery age due to start reception year in Sept but we are resisting giving him a reading book because we know that there will be home pressure)

 

From what I see on the forum you are a good caring teacher willing to try new things if you think they will help your children. Your children ARE achieving and making progress.

So please try and stop doubting yourself.

(Another hug)

[Guest]

Hi Moose,

Yours is definately not the longest moan on the forum, I know I've done my fair share!!

I agree with every other post, I'm not in school, but pre-school and I feel exactly the same as you in some things. It certainly fills me with dread that the 'can' will rest at my feet if things are wrong with Ofsted. I have just recently thought of leaving just to have peace of mind, but the children seem more powerful! Can't leave them yet!

You must take it as a compliment that the Head doesn't interfere, he obviously trusts you implicitly and that must boost your confidence no end.

You know in your heart that you do things well and as Marion said you will never please everybody (this includes colleagues).

Every year we try to explain to parents that children learn through play and most activities are hands on. But you still get those that want 'work sheets' and exercise books completed every day!

Educating the Parents is key to it all, but many do not care. It just goes to show with the response you had with the questionnaire!

Just keep going - You certainly deserve a restful weekend, so just enjoy it!!!!

Best wishes

kymberley

[Guest]

Our LEA had a training day on the SEF part for the Foundation Stage, and they produced a self-evaluation document for all Early Years settings so it might be worth contacting your Advisory Service to see if they have anything which would back up, objectively, what you are saying. OFSTED will always ask for evidence to support the SEF and that evidence neds to be there.

 

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You can find a self evaluation document for FS here

[Susan]

Hi Moose, everyone else has said it already but you do not need to feel so anxious although I am certain in your position most of us would feel the same. You do know what you are about, you make that very obvious. If and when Ofsted arrive have the courage of your own convictions! If you need another boost, have a read of "The Foundation stage teacher in Action" (see resources), its very good as a confidence boost as well as informative.

[Guest]

Hi Moose

Just wanted to add my endorsement to the fact that you come across as a very dedicated teacher and I am sure that you are doing a great job. You always have good advice for other members on the forum or have great ideas. Have faith in your own abilities!

Linda

[Guest]

Reading your post made me realise that we as practitioners are all the same (I am not a teacher) but as part of our own personal self evaluation we tend to look at every area - we are never complacent with what we do - we are always striving to do better - but this is a positive thing more often than not - if we cannot criticially analyce ourselves and our work then how do we move forward and as everyone else has said you do this as a matter of course. However, the downside is that we may have criticism of ourselves. Can you get together with other foundation stage teachers - either here or locally to discuss and analyse the issues you feel you have - I get the impression that you have one or two areas you feel uncomfortable/unhappy with and may not be 100% behind them for whatever reason and you may need someone to bounce these off. As someone else said you will never please all of the people all of the time - that is fact. However, what you can do is reconcile in your own mind what you feel these real issues are that you maybe are anxious and unhappy with and try and work out why - go back to your reflectice practice models and plot the most pressing issues as you see them - I think this will allay any fears or anxieties you may have with regard to your practice and will provide the evidence that you need that you are doing a good job.

Keep your head up - have a great big bar of chocolate for brekkie - s.d the healthy practice and enjoy - its a long weekend.

Nikki

[Guest]

Thanks very much everyone for being so nice and helpful. Geraldine - I ate all the chocolates in one go!

 

Perhaps someone would tell me what score you/your head gave you on the SEF and how you justify this. Is it better to over or under rate yourself?

[Guest]

Hi Moose

Have no idea what our score is as we haven't had any discussion re SEF yet but as a rule of thumb I would say never over-estimate because OFSTED will pull you down and will then querythe whole of the rest of the SEF! Just be as honest as you can.

 

Fox xx

[michaelle]

Lots of love to you. I would agree with ASPK just be as honest a you can about each point you make ensuring that if you were asked you could back it up with evidence where possible.

You should be able to get some guidance from your LEA about what to include in each bit.

Good Luck

If you need any help I am happy to as I have just done mine M x

[Guest]

I echo all others words of wisdom and best wishes. I am preschool so don't know about SEF score, I would think as ASPK says, don't give Ofsted any reason to "pull you down".

I do know that in preschool ( advice from our advisory teacher) is that as long as we write down and show the areas we have identified we need to develop, (an action plan with time scale,) they can't touch us, or mark us down on these areas of development.

 

Sending hugs, chocolate AND PERMISSION TO TOTALLY SWITCH OFF FROM ANYTHING TO DO WITH WORK AND HAVE SOME YOU TIME.

 

Peggy

[Guest]

Thank you Michaelle. I would appreciate any help you could give me at all!

[mundia]

Hi Moose, I hope you are feeling a bit better with yourself now that you have had a long weekend?

 

Great advice above I hope you are taking it on board.

On a practical level there are some things you can do.

 

First perfoamnce managment isnt a choice its an obligation, and its the head failing in his/her duty if you havent had any. Persoanly i hate it its just a loda of other hoops for me to jump through to PROVE that im doing my job! (and the targets are never relevant to FS issues) Obvioulsy if you intend to apply for threshold in the near future you will have to have some sort of PM for that but you cannot be held respsible for somehting your head should have done. I certainly wouldnt worry about that now as its too late for this year anyway but insist on it next year.

 

Second, the Head has overall responsibility for the school, and it is them that comes under the spotlight if things are not as they should be. The head needs to understand the phase and it is their duty to learn more about what you do rather than rather naively asssume that everyhting is hunky dory. (which Im sure it is by the way). The guideleines from ASPK (thanks for that by the way ASPK) are great and Id certainly have a look at those.

When you go through the SEF, go through one bit at a time and make your points but alwasy with a 'where-is-the-eviedence-for-that' hat on. Be completely honest, warts and all. If you have a weakness (and we all do), state it and also state what you are doing about it, and what impact your actions are showing. Then leave it, coem back to it in a month, dont keep it festering and dont keep going back to it every week to 'tweak'..you will never finish tweaking...

 

Third, do you have an early years network? Do you have a neighbouring school or a consortium? If so, tell your head that you need time to go and discuss things with a FSCo from another school, if they have had an OFSTED this year even better. Most schools are very accommodating for this, and we have a group of schools in our consortium that are frequently sending each other to visists and draw on each other's expertise.

Also get your advisory team on board, ask for a visit, this is your entitlement too. If they visit and look through your practice and your SEF, then that is further evidenec for your SEF.

 

Finally eat a lot of chocolate, hug the pople you love and go and do something constructive in the garden (thats a gardener talking)

 

Hugs...

[catma]

can't add much to that, the wise heads of the forum have said all I would say already - just wanted to tell you what the parents said to me when I went to teach in the nursery class " are you still the deputy head then?" Parents, god love 'em, only have the last (secondary) experience of schooling that they had to go on and it was possibly formal, possibly a negative experience, and they do (of course I'm generalising horribly here) have a sense of "parent power" which engenders this notion that they should be able to say exactly how their child should be SEEN to be taught. Twas ever thus and probably always be, don't stop believing in what you know is right because of the ignorance of others - you have to keep on trying.

 

Make a list of the things you can be proud of - the child who comes to school happy because they are secure and positive about the experience, the child who is starting to read or write with confidence, the child who has moved from one stage of development to another, the child who's needs are being met because you know what they should be doing next, the child who takes risks and tries a new skill, the child who shows excitement at something they find they can now DO - all these things are the educationalists blessings and we should now and then stop to count them and remind ourselves just how damned impoverished this world would be if WE WEREN'T THERE.

 

Cx

[Beau]

Catma,

Those are great words of advice and much needed at the moment. Moose, lots of hugs coming your way from me.

[Guest]

Hello Moose,

Only just read your post. I can sympathise loads. Up until Christmas I had been in R for 14 years with noone to help. When anything needed doing I too had to do it. I have been ofsteded just after Christmas, I had been in Year 1 for exactly 2 weeks .What a shock. But FS was not mentioned at all. I did the seff too and nobody asked me anything. Don't worry I know easy for me to say now.

Abi