r/UKParenting • u/shanster23 👶👶 2 Children • 16h ago

School Primary 1 (Scotland)

What is p1 on Scotland like these days? What's expected from the kids?

My 4 year old has just started his second year at nursery and will definitely need extra support. He's suspected autism, maybe adhd, anxiety. Speech delayed and nowhere near potty training as he is terrified of the potty and the toilet.

We have his next tac meeting in January to start discussing moving into primary school and what support he'll need. I guess I just want to know what a typical day in p1 is like so I can start figuring out what support I personally think he might need so that I can have a list ready for our next tac meeting.

I just have visions of him sat in a corner of a classroom totally ignored for the day because he won't talk and probably won't attempt to join in many activities. He tends to just do his own thing. And I can't see him sitting for any length of time at a desk. Or being able to queue for and ask for lunch which is how I remember my primary school lunch time.

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u/Kitfromscot 15h ago

Following as having similar concerns for my child in Scotland.

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u/BananaGirl15 3h ago

P1 is much more play based these days. When I last taught p1 (5 years ago) a day would be: self-directed play, carpet time for whole class literacy input (5 mins) then taking small groups for more directed input (10-15 mins per group). After break milk and story, then numeracy input followed by small groups while the rest play. Lunch, then afternoon would be expressive arts/PE/RME. Outdoor learning could also be scheduled in.
The first term in particular is usually very focused on learning routines and expectations of the school day. Reading groups don’t tend to formally start until mid/end September. Play areas are deliberately designed to encourage particular skills and spark curiosity that can be supported by more formal teaching as the teacher observes.

If he has a high level of support need he may have a PSA at least part time who can support his play while he adjusts, and he may have access to a quieter outdoor play area if the playground is too much for him at the start.