Our Infants’ school had a quaint notion of not encouraging children to Parents’ Evening, but on one occasion I insisted my offspring be present so they could ask their Literacy teacher why the promised help with spelling (borderline dyslexic) promised six months previously, had not materialised. There is nothing so satisfying as watching a Yr 2 child ask an innocent question (no coaching on our part) and seeing the squirming reaction. Funnily enough, the help arrived within a fortnight!

That said, when they moved on to the Juniors’, the homework policy was for a maximum of 20 mins per night, and very little if any for the holidays. Offspring coped well with that for the most part, but I was not averse to a quick note explaining why homework had not been completed if I felt too much had been given.

From a teacher’s point of view, I dispair of any colleague who does not mark all work handed in by students; I always did.

I agree wholeheartedly with Tim, go and see the Head as it sounds like you’ll get further than tackling the teacher. Even if you want to do this informally in the first instance, please do take someone with you who can make notes on the meeting and send a written copy of it to the Head afterwards. As I see it, the problem is clearly a case of professional ability on the part of the teacher.

Whilst the school is dealing with your concerns I would be inclined to withdraw your permission for homework to be completed, and while we’re on the subject…

As I remember clearly from my training, children as young as yours can most definitely suffer from stress; the changes in behaviour you mention are classic. I’d be inclined to have a word with my GP too, presuming they are supportive in such situations – failing that ask the Head to make a referral to the local Educational Psychology service.

Above all, don’t worry about who’s nose you put out of joint, Miss E is the most important person in all this. I’d trample over anyone if she were mine to make sure she got what she needs.

This sort of behaviour by teachers makes me so mad as it reflects badly on the rest of us and makes children’s lives miserable.

Just my two penneth.

I must admit this is already an issue with Miss L, she is pretty much point blank refusing to do homework. She’s in Year 2 and has a book a night to read, 10 spelling words a week, Maths & Science sheets to complete and this week a short story to write too, and to learn songs for the school Xmas play…a bit much for a 6 year old IMHO.

So I’m bit of a homework terrorist, I tend to say she’s not done her reading as she was too tired etc. I ditched some spellings for making soap instead – it’s science But frankly it’s not going to work when she starts junior school next year, so I really don’t know what I’m going to do then? Love to you and Miss E – it’s not easy xx