Making The Most Of Parents Evening - Essential Questions To Ask

Parents’ evening – it always seems to come around so quickly, doesn’t it? One minute, you’re busy sorting the kids’ packed lunches, and the next, you’re sat in front of their teacher trying to cram a whole term’s worth of information into a ten-minute chat. Over the years, first as a nanny and now as a mum to Emmy and Harry, I’ve learnt that making the most of these meetings comes down to asking the right questions.

It’s not just about grades; it’s about understanding how your child is doing as a whole – academically, socially, and emotionally. If you go in with a game plan, you’ll come out with a much clearer idea of how to support your child at home. So, here are the top five questions I always ask at parents’ evening, along with a few tips to help you prepare.

Table of Contents

Making the Most of Parents Evening – Essential Questions to Ask

Here are some Questions to ask at parents evening:

1. What are my child’s strengths and areas for improvement?

I always start with this one – it’s positive, and it helps me see what’s going well before diving into the challenges. Teachers spend so much time with our kids; they spot talents and strengths we might not even notice at home.

For example, Emmy’s Year 6 teacher once mentioned how curious she was about science. At home, I hadn’t really picked up on it, but we started doing some simple experiments together (baking soda volcanoes are always a winner!), and it turned into something she genuinely loves.

On the other hand, understanding their weaker areas means you can tackle them before they become bigger problems. When Harry was struggling with fractions in Year 4, we worked on it together using fun maths apps his teacher suggested, and it made all the difference.

Follow-Up Questions:

“What can we do at home to help improve this?”
“Are there any resources you’d recommend?”

2. How does my child participate in class activities?

This question gives you a glimpse into how your child behaves and interacts when you’re not around. Are they confident? Quiet? Do they prefer working alone or in groups?

When Emmy started secondary school, her teachers told me she was doing great academically but rarely spoke up in class. It was a shock because at home, she’s never short of things to say! We decided to work on her confidence by encouraging her to share her opinions during family discussions. Her teachers also agreed to ask her questions in class, even when she hadn’t raised her hand. Turns out, she usually knew the answers but was just too shy to speak up.

Why This Matters:
Classroom participation isn’t just about raising a hand – it’s about developing confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.

Follow-Up Questions:

“Do they work better independently or in groups?”
“Are there opportunities to build their confidence in class?”

3. Is my child meeting the expected milestones for their age?

This one is crucial as it gives you a sense of where your child stands in relation to the national curriculum. If they’re excelling, that’s great. If they’re struggling, you can put a plan in place to help them catch up.

I remember one parent’s evening when Harry’s teacher mentioned he was doing brilliantly in English but was finding maths a bit tricky, particularly fractions. We made a real effort to help him at home, and by the next term, he’d improved so much. Catching these things early makes a world of difference.

Follow-Up Questions:

“What skills should they focus on this term?”
“Are there specific milestones we should keep an eye on?”

4. What can we do at home to support their learning?

Parents’ evening isn’t just about what happens in the classroom – it’s also about building a partnership with the teachers to support your child’s learning at home.

For Emmy, who loves storytelling, her teacher suggested we encourage her to write short stories at home. She absolutely loved it, and it’s become a real passion of hers. For Harry, maths games turned something he found frustrating into something fun. Even small changes at home can make a huge difference.

Follow-Up Questions:

“Are there any habits or routines we should encourage?”
“Do you have any recommendations for books, apps, or activities to support their learning?”

5. Are there any concerns regarding my child’s behaviour or social skills?

Social development is just as important as academic progress. Asking this question can uncover things you might not be aware of, like friendship dynamics or behavioural issues.

When Harry started Year 7, I was nervous about how he’d adjust socially. His form tutor reassured me that not only was he settling in well, but he was also helping quieter kids feel included. That gave me such peace of mind.

Why This Matters:
Addressing behavioural or social concerns early creates a supportive environment for your child to thrive emotionally and socially.

Follow-Up Questions:

“Are there any friendship dynamics we should know about?”
“What can we do at home to support them socially?”

Tips for Parents’ Evening – Questions for parents evening

Prepare in Advance: Look over recent homework, tests, and feedback to identify areas you want to discuss.

Write Down Your Questions: It’s easy to forget things in the moment, especially if you’re nervous or rushed.
Be Mindful of Time: Teachers are seeing a lot of parents, so keep your questions concise.

Take Notes: Jotting down what’s discussed helps you follow up later if needed.

Final Thoughts

Parents’ evening is more than just ticking a box – it’s your chance to really understand how your child is doing and how you can support them. It’s a partnership between you and the teachers, and asking the right questions can make all the difference.

I know life is busy, but investing this little bit of time shows your child you’re in their corner, cheering them on every step of the way.

What about you? What questions do you always ask at parents’ evening? I’d love to hear your tips – pop them in the comments below!