Guides

Getting the most from a parent-teacher meeting

Parent-teacher meetings are often short, so a little preparation helps.

Before the meeting

• Read the latest report and any recent work your child has brought home.
• Ask your child how they think things are going and if there is anything they want you to mention.
• Write down two or three questions.

Useful questions

• How is my child getting on compared with what you would expect at this stage?
• What is going well, and what is one thing they should work on?
• How do they get on with other children?
• What can we do at home to help?

Before you go: a short checklist

• Ask your child what is going well and what they find hard.
• Read the latest report and note anything you do not understand.
• Write down two or three questions, most important first.
• Bring anything the school should know about, such as a change at home or a health issue.
• Check the time slot. Most meetings are ten minutes or less.

During the meeting

Listen first, then ask your questions. If something needs more time than the meeting allows, ask for a follow-up appointment.

Afterwards

Share the positive points with your child. Agree one small change to try at home, and check how it is going after a few weeks.