Arrangements
Your child's school will let you know where and when the parents' evening will be held. If you are unable to attend, ask the school if you can arrange a meeting with the teacher at another time.
To help you, schools may:
- provide a crèche where younger children can be looked after
- welcome a friend or relative along with you, or put you in touch with a translator
- set up appointments so you can book a suitable time to meet with the teacher
- arrange a special time to meet if you have difficulty attending on the day
- invite your child to come with you so everyone can be involved in the discussion
- make sure you can also talk with other staff who know your child
- have examples of your child's work for you to look at whilst you are waiting.
You should contact your child's school if you would like to arrange any of these things.
Should children attend?
Children may express concern about the outcomes of parents' evenings, especially if they are waiting at home. Views vary as to whether or not children should attend the parents' evening with their parents. Schools and parents are best placed to decide what arrangements best suit their local and individual circumstances.
What pupils and parents say
'I liked to be able to hear what is being said. I felt I was really nervous when I went there and I felt embarrassed when I heard the teacher saying my good points.'
P7 pupil
'It was definitely good for her because she left feeling brilliant. Before, going back from a parents' evening I used to go back on the negatives or not focus on the good things but being there meant she heard the good things and she felt good and that made me feel fantastic.'
Mother of P7 pupil
