During and after the meeting
Things to share with the teacher
Explain how you feel about the way your child is coping at school or with school work. Mention things they particularly enjoy.
- Talk about hobbies and interests that your child has outside of school. Do they attend a dance class, play in a football team, like particular books or games?
- Talk about any responsibilities they have, for example helping look after younger brothers or sisters, helping grandparents, undertaking duties or tasks at home.
- Mention family events which might affect them, for example moving house, the birth of a baby or the loss of someone close.
- Outline any concerns you have, for example you may think your child finds it difficult to concentrate, or that they are having difficulty with maths or reading.
'It's the only real chance we get to find out how they are getting on, to look at their work and to meet the teachers.'
Parent
What teachers say about parents' evenings
'You get to know things that really help. I had one boy, he was fascinated by birds and really knowledgeable about them – I never knew that until his mum told me at a parents' evening.'
'They certainly help you see some children in a new light.'
'We would like to spend more time with parents. It is difficult to have a proper discussion in five minutes.'
After the meeting
Discuss the meeting with your child, share positive comments made by the teacher and congratulate them on things they have done well.
If you want to discuss an issue or concern in more detail, arrange a follow-up meeting with your child’s teacher or school.
Chat with your child about any suggestions the teacher has made on how you can help them. Decide what you will each do, when you will do it and how you will do it. For example:
- What will your child do at school to tackle their next steps in a subject or in their approach to working in the classroom?
- You may agree to check your child's homework diary once a week. What is the best time to do this: after school, after the evening meal, in the morning? What are you looking for? Who will make sure this happens: you or your child? Would putting a note on the fridge door help?
