Parents' Evening and Target Setting Days are one of the best opportunities for you to meet teachers to discuss how your child is doing; it is important that you attend these events. At Bedford Academy we operate an appointment system and it is best to make sure that you are armed with questions for your child's teachers! Remember, these events are a two way process ~ while parents want and need to know how their child is doing, this is also an opportunity for teachers to learn about your child's home-behaviour, for example their approach to homework, and to make suggestions to parents on how they can help with their child's learning.
Tips for a successful Parents’ Evening or Target Setting Days:
~ Read your child’s school report or other relevant progress information prior to visiting the academy to discuss your child at school;
~ If possible, look at some of your child’s work beforehand;
~ If the teacher says anything that you do not understand, do not be afraid to ask them what they mean;
~ If you feel nervous about meeting teachers, remember that they probably feel the same way about meeting parents;
~ Try to leave the meeting with some positive steps that you, your child and the teachers can take to help your child succeed;
~ If there are any points of conflict, try to talk about them with teachers and find a solution that is in the best interests of your child. The sooner a problem is addressed the greater the chance of solving it quickly and sensibly;
~ If you think that a meeting might be difficult, take another adult (such as a family member or friend) along to give you support and help bring a different perspective to the situation;
~ Make a few notes at the meeting if it will help you to remember what was said and what was agreed.
Here is a checklist of questions that you may wish to ask at Parents’ Evening or Target Setting Days:
~ What are my child’s strengths?
~ Has my child shown any special talents?
~ What is my child finding difficult? How can I help with this? Can you show me examples?
~ Does my child try hard enough?
~ Does my child join in classroom discussions?
~ How can I help with my child’s school work in general?
~ Has my child made sufficient progress since his/her last report?
~ Is my child happy at school?
~ Has my child made friends?
~ Does my child’s behaviour give any cause for concern?
You might want to read this superb booklet from the DfES (Department for Education and Skills) called Making the most of Parents' Evenings; this booklet will help you to make the most of Parents' evening. It looks at preparing for Parent evenings, making the most of your time with teachers, setting targets and helping your child after Parent evenings.
Follow this link for more advice on how to support your child through effective parent - school relationships: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/SchoolLife/DG_4016015