Parents’ evenings are a valuable opportunity to gain insight into your child’s progress at school. They offer a chance to meet teachers, discuss achievements, and understand areas where your child may need extra support.
To make the most of these meetings, it’s important to come prepared with thoughtful questions. Here are five essential questions to ask at your child’s next parents’ evening.
1. How is my child progressing academically?
It’s important to get a clear picture of your child’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Ask the teacher about your child’s performance in core subjects such as English, maths, and science, as well as in other areas like art, music, or PE.
Understanding whether your child is meeting expected milestones will help you support learning at home and celebrate achievements together.
2. What are my child’s strengths and talents?
Every child has unique skills and abilities. Asking about your child’s strengths allows you to celebrate what they do well and encourage further development.
Whether it’s a natural aptitude for problem-solving, creativity, or leadership, identifying these areas early can help your child gain confidence and motivation in school.
3. Are there any areas where my child needs extra support?
No child excels in every area, and it’s normal for some subjects to be more challenging than others.
Asking this question allows you to understand any gaps in learning and explore strategies to help your child improve.
Teachers may suggest additional resources, support programmes, or ways to practice at home, which can make a significant difference to your child’s progress.
4. How does my child interact socially at school?
School isn’t just about academics—social skills are equally important. Ask about your child’s relationships with peers, teamwork, and behaviour in class.
Understanding their social development can help you address any concerns early and support your child in building positive friendships, resilience, and confidence.
5. How can I support learning at home?
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing learning outside of the classroom.
Ask for practical suggestions on how to support your child at home, whether it’s through reading together, helping with homework, or encouraging independent learning.
Teachers may also provide ideas for fun educational activities that align with the curriculum, making learning enjoyable and effective.
Making the Most of Parents’ Evening
To get the most out of your meeting, write down your questions in advance and take notes during the discussion.
Remember, parents’ evening is a collaborative opportunity—teachers and parents working together can make a real difference in a child’s educational journey.
By asking these five questions, you’ll leave the meeting with a clear understanding of your child’s progress, strengths, and areas where extra support could be beneficial.