Parents’ evening is more than just a quick catch-up, it’s a valuable opportunity to understand your child’s academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and overall development. Whether your child is thriving or facing challenges, these short meetings can offer key insights and help strengthen the home-school connection.
However, with limited time and multiple teachers to speak to, it’s important to prepare well and approach the evening with purpose. Here are some simple yet effective tips from a Surrey independent school to help you make the most of parents’ evening.
1. Prepare Ahead of Time
Before the meeting, take a moment to reflect on how your child is doing both academically and emotionally. Make a note of any questions or concerns you’d like to raise.
Consider asking yourself:
- Has your child mentioned struggling with any subjects?
- Are there issues with homework, motivation, or friendship groups?
- Have there been any changes in behaviour or mood?
Tip: Write down your questions so you don’t forget them in the moment.
2. Involve Your Child
Ask your child how they feel about school and what they think is going well—or not so well. Their perspective can help you frame your questions and understand their experience more fully.
Try asking:
- “Which subjects do you enjoy most?”
- “Is there anything you find difficult or stressful?”
- “Is there anything you’d like me to ask your teacher?”
Involving your child encourages open communication and shows them that their voice matters.
3. Be Punctual and Stay on Track
Parents’ evenings often run on a tight schedule, so arriving on time helps ensure you get your full appointment. Respect the allocated time and stay focused on the key points.
Tip: Start with your top priorities. If time runs out, ask if you can follow up with the teacher later by phone or email.
4. Ask Constructive Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask for specific feedback, especially if you want a clear picture of your child’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Some useful questions include:
- How is my child progressing compared to expectations?
- What are their strengths and areas they could develop?
- How do they participate in class?
- How can I support their learning at home?
This opens up a more meaningful conversation than simply asking, “How are they doing?”
5. Share Important Information
Teachers only see a portion of your child’s life, so don’t hesitate to share anything that might affect their learning or behaviour—whether it’s a recent change at home, a health issue, or social concerns.
Why it helps: This context allows teachers to better support your child and may explain changes in their performance or mood.
6. Take Notes and Follow Up
It’s easy to forget details once the evening is over, especially if you’re speaking to multiple teachers. Jot down key points, strategies, or concerns that arise during the meeting.
Tip: After the evening, discuss the feedback with your child and agree on any next steps together.
If you or the teacher have suggested action points, consider following up after a few weeks to check progress or ask further questions.
7. Stay Positive and Collaborative
Even if there are concerns to address, approach the meeting as a partnership. Teachers and parents share the same goal: to help your child thrive.
Tip: Acknowledge the teacher’s efforts and maintain a respectful, solution-focused tone. Positive engagement lays the foundation for future communication.
Parents’ evening is a powerful way to stay informed, show your child you care about their education, and work closely with teachers to support their journey. By preparing thoughtfully and using your time wisely, you can walk away with valuable insights that will make a real difference.
