Parent teacher consultations: how often?

[ThePonderer]

I am a parent at a primary school which holds parent teacher consultations once each old term, i.e. 3 times a year. I am perfectly happy with that.

Another parent was complaining that she had expected them to happen once each new term, i.e. 6 times a year, as other schools often do this. Is that true?

If so, it sounds like hell for the teachers. Is it a good idea?

[NoSundayWorkingPlease]

Ours is twice, once in October and again at the end of the year.

[Kaekae]

Ours is twice a year. But we can go in anytime after school if teacher is free to discuss targets, look at books or any other issues.

[Seeline]

we have one after Oct half term and one after Feb half term, with a full written report at the end of the school year. Obviously though if we have concerns/issues at other times we can speak to the teacher/head if necessary.

[tumbletumble]

Twice a year here. Written report (v detailed) instead in third term.

[PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom]

Sounds way too much to me. We are the same as tumble

[louisejxxx]

Ours are twice a year - one in Autumn term, one in Spring, and then a report in the Summer term.

[Hurr1cane]

In DSs three past schools:

Once a year
Twice a year
Twice a year

And that was for children with severe complex needs.

When I taught in a school

Twice a year, the first was very informal and more a 'get to know the family'

[DontCallMeBaby]

October, February/March-ish, and an informal one in ... June, I think? The latter is like a big open evening when you go in, have a look at work and displays, quick chat with this year's teacher, and a chat with next year's and a nose at their classroom.

(Just realised there will be no next year's teacher for us to see next summer, sob)

[ThePonderer]

Well, I'm glad I was right that it's unusual. I just couldn't see how it would help.

DontCallMeBaby, is your DC in the last year of primary school? That's a rite of passage for the whole family, isn't it?

[JennyBlueWren]

One in October -how are they settling. One in May ish, just after report to discuss the report.
But we welcome parents to come in and speak about issues or arrange a more formal meeting if required.

As a teacher I think I would find 6 parent interviews really difficult, especially if we were expected to have the late night ones, as I have a long commute.

[simpson]

Every term.

A couple of weeks into the summer term for target setting meeting.

Next one will be mid Jan.

Then the final one is about May.

There is also an opportunity to speak to class teacher (via appt) to discuss school reports if need be in July. But this is on a need be basis (ie if you are happy, don't bother!)

[YonicSleighdriver]

Two-three times a year then monthly set drop ins if you want to pop by, which I maybe did once or twice.

[suze28]

We do settling in meetings in Oct, progress meetings in Spring term/Easter time (with books) and a final meeting with school reports in July.

[Notinaminutenow]

Twice a year - once with child, once without.

Teachers made themselves very available though so meetings could be arranged easily if needed.

They assessed the children 6 times a year but total overkill to meet with parents so often IMO.

[raptorclaw]

No it's not a good idea. We don't have time for it and it would be yet another thing that gets in the way of quality teaching and planning time.

[Iggi999]

At our secondary there are 6, but that's to cover all the years. I don't think it's useful at primary, 3 would be good though (we only have 2)

[DontCallMeBaby]

Ponderer- yes, she is. Seven years almost gone, next seven and she'll be an adult!

I'll have a year still to go as a governor once she leaves tho, which will be weird.