Parents' Evenings

Your child’s school will invite you to attend a Parents’ Evening at least once a year. It is your opportunity to find out how your child is doing, and to discuss with the teachers any worries or concerns you may have. You may receive a report before the Parents’ Evening. Spend some time with your child looking at it.

Make a note of any questions you want to ask the teachers, and anything your child would like you to discuss. Going to a parents’ evening takes time and organisation and you need to make the most of the time with teachers you have once you are there. The more you can get out of it, the better for your child.

• Make sure you know whether or not you should take your child with you. Some schools do like parents to bring their children along and others do not.
• Try to turn up on time for each appointment if you are meeting with more than one teacher.
• Don’t overrun your time. If you feel there isn’t enough time to cover all the issues at the parents’ evening, you can always arrange to talk to the teacher again either on the phone or by making an appointment.
• Be patient if a teacher is running late.
• Be prepared to listen – try not to jump to conclusions or criticise the teachers or school without really listening to what they have to say. It helps teachers and parents to share information and knowledge about the child.
• Ask questions – if you don’t agree with something or you are not sure what a teacher means, don’t feel too embarrassed to ask.
• Try to come away from the meeting with some positive steps that you, your child and the teachers will take to help your child succeed.

Teachers may talk about

• your child's general progress
• performance in specific subjects
• attendance
• what part s/he takes in clubs or out of school activity
• attitude to school
• attitude to extra responsibilities
• Awards gained and behaviour

• any changes at home
• things your child does/doesn't like
• general attitude at home
• things your child enjoys and /or finds difficult
• special interests which s/he enjoys at home
• any worries or concerns you may have or that your child may have voiced
• how you are helping

Other Ways to Stay Connected

Having a good relationship with your child’s teacher can create an important link between home and school. In this video learn about some of the different ways to stay connected - from helping out with lessons to simply sharing your views with the teacher, there are many different ways to get involved.