Important Questions to Ask at Parents’ Evening

This is an advertorial post.

We’ve been doing parent’s evening’s for 18 years now and have learnt a few things along the way. Parents’ evenings are valuable insight into your child’s academic progress, social development, and overall wellbeing at school, including at private schools in Leatherhead. While teachers typically provide updates, we’ve often found that it has been the conversation that results from our questions that provides the most useful information.

How often are Parent’s Evenings held?

Parent’s evenings tend to be held twice a year – You may find that the time of year they are held, differs according to how old your child is. Some schools like to schedule their parent’s evenings around when children are preparing for tests.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five important questions to ask during parents’ evening to make the most of this valuable time.

1. How is My Child Progressing Academically?

This is the obvious question to be asking and the main point of a parent’s evening. Most parent’s evening appointments begin by finding about your child’s academic performance. Inquire about their strengths, areas for improvement, and any notable achievements. Understanding your child’s progress in specific subjects provides valuable insights into their learning style, potential challenges, and areas where they might need additional support.

Have you signed up to our newsletter to never miss a post? Click HERE to join up.

2. What Can I Do to Support My Child’s Learning at Home?

Teachers are a valuable resource when it comes to understanding how to support your child’s learning outside of the classroom. Ask for specific suggestions or recommendations on how you can reinforce classroom lessons at home. This could include recommended reading materials, educational websites, or engaging activities that align with the curriculum.

3. How Does My Child Interact with Peers and Teachers?

This subject has tended to be the most important for us. These are the softer skills that you cannot always affect. We want to know about our child’s social development. Understanding how your child interacts with peers and teachers provides insight into their communication skills, teamwork, and overall emotional well-being. This question also opens the door for discussions about any potential challenges your child may be facing in the social aspects of school life.

Helen is a family and lifestyle blogger, writing about her experiences of bringing up 3 girls. For more information about the Costello Family and the services they can offer visit the Work With Us page

4. Are There Any Concerns or Areas for Improvement?

Don’t shy away from addressing potential concerns or areas for improvement. Ask the teacher if there are any specific challenges your child is facing and what strategies are being implemented to address them. This proactive approach allows you to work collaboratively with the teacher to support your child’s development and address any issues early on.

5. What Are the Next Steps in My Child’s Learning Journey?

Discussing the future is crucial to understanding the trajectory of your child’s education. Ask about the teacher’s expectations for the upcoming months, any upcoming projects, and how you can contribute to your child’s ongoing development. This question helps you stay informed about your child’s educational journey and demonstrates your commitment to their success.

Parents’ evenings offer a valuable opportunity for collaboration between parents and teachers. By asking these important questions, you not only gain a deeper understanding of your child’s academic and social progress but also actively contribute to their overall educational experience. 

Remember, effective communication is key to fostering a strong partnership between home and school, ultimately benefiting your child’s growth and development.