Parents evenings are a crucial opportunity for parents to meet with their child's teachers and gain valuable insight into their academic progress and overall development. It can be a daunting experience for some parents, but it's essential to make the most of the time available and ask the right questions to ensure you receive the information you need to support your child's education effectively. In this blog post, we'll outline some of the most important questions parents should ask at parents evening.

What are my child's academic strengths and weaknesses?

Understanding your child's academic strengths and weaknesses is essential to supporting their education. Ask your child's teacher to provide you with an overview of their progress in different subjects, highlighting areas where they excel and areas where they may need additional support.

How can I support my child's learning at home?

Parents play a vital role in supporting their child's learning outside of school. Ask your child's teacher for guidance on how you can support their learning at home, such as recommended reading or homework activities.

How can I help my child prepare for exams?

Exams can be a stressful time for students, and it's essential to support your child in preparing for them. Ask your child's teacher for advice on how you can help your child prepare for exams, such as revision techniques or practice papers.

How is my child's behaviour in class?

Behaviour can have a significant impact on a child's academic progress, and it's important to understand how your child is behaving in class. Ask your child's teacher to provide you with feedback on their behaviour, including any areas where they may need improvement.

How can I support my child's emotional wellbeing?

Children's emotional wellbeing is just as important as their academic progress, and it's crucial to support them in this area. Ask your child's teacher for advice on how you can support your child's emotional wellbeing, such as strategies for managing stress or anxiety.

How is my child interacting with their peers?

Social interaction is an essential aspect of a child's development, and it's important to understand how your child is interacting with their peers. Ask your child's teacher for feedback on how they are interacting with other students, including any areas where they may need improvement.

What is my child's attendance and punctuality like?

Attendance and punctuality are critical factors in a child's academic progress, and it's important to monitor them closely. Ask your child's teacher for feedback on their attendance and punctuality, and discuss any concerns you may have.

How is my child progressing in relation to their targets?

Setting targets is an effective way to motivate children and monitor their progress. Ask your child's teacher to provide you with an update on how they are progressing in relation to their targets, and discuss any adjustments that may need to be made.

How can I get involved in my child's education?

Parental involvement is a crucial aspect of supporting a child's education, and there are many ways parents can get involved. Ask your child's teacher for advice on how you can get involved, such as volunteering at school or attending parent-teacher association meetings.

How can I communicate with you outside of parents evening?

It's essential to maintain good communication with your child's teacher outside of parents evening to stay informed about their progress. Ask your child's teacher for advice on how you can communicate with them outside of parents evening, such as via email or a school communication app.

Essentially, parents’ evenings provide an invaluable opportunity for parents to gain a deeper understanding of how well their child is performing in school. By asking the right questions, parents can ensure they receive the information they need to support their child's education effectively. Whether you're a seasoned pro or attending your first parents evening, be sure to prepare some questions in advance to make the most of the time available and ensure you come away with a clear understanding of your child's progress and how you can support them going forward.

It's also worth noting that parents’ evenings can be busy events, and it's essential to be respectful of the time available. Try to be concise in your questions and avoid going off-topic to ensure you receive the information you need. Remember, your child's teacher is there to support you and your child, and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have. By working together, parents and teachers can ensure that children receive the best possible education and support to reach their full potential.