Parents evening first time

[Buzlightyear1]

Hi my son is my only child so never been through this before. I have been invited to the parents evening to introduce you to the school. It says children should not attend. I was wondering does anyone know what it’s like ? Are all the parents going to be in one big group and mix together to meet the teachers and look round the classroom. Or will it be a 1 to 1 thing ? I’m a bit nervous I hates school myself and I live in a very small village so really want to start if positive. I’m not aiming to make fri or anything like that just to make school life easier for my son. So anyone been to one of these can you tell me what happens? Thank you

That’s one of those how long is a piece of string things - different schools will do it in any of the ways you describe and this year might be different again because of Covid. There’s no real way of what the school you are going to will choose to do until you turn up!

It will probably be a look round the school and then a chat from the headteacher and class teacher - explain how days are structured, answer any questions people have and break the ice etc

When my DC started Reception it was basically a case of parents sitting in the hall and there was a talk from the headteacher about how they would settle the children in, what they needed in terms of uniform and things to bring, what to expect in the first weeks, the school's expectations from parents etc. The Reception teachers were introduced, and then we had an opportunity to buy second hand uniform. You could also ask questions. It would have been dull for children though!

You really can't get it wrong, please don't worry! (well, unless do something horrifically inappropriate or disgusting, which I'm sure you won't).

Every school will do it differently. You may be in the hall for a presentation, or getting a look around the classroom. If you'd like to talk to the teacher please do, but if you have a particularly specific question with a long answer you may be asked to come to another appointment.

Enjoy!

How are they doing this in the current circs - won't it be smaller groups because of covid?

When we did it you all went and sat in the classroom together and looked at work etc. and the head gave a (pretty pointless) talk.

Thank you so much, I no nobody can tell me exactly what will happen and it will be different depending on area. I just wanted a rough idea so I really appreciate that. There are a few bits I wanted to ask the teacher mainly about ensuring my child who is not allowed contact with his dad unless there is some one to supervise. To make sure he wouldn’t be allowed to take my son. I think I will call up and speak to the head teacher before this as if there are other parents it would not be something I want to talk about. Thank you so much.

yes something like that you need to deal with the head, and then when things are agreed you have a 1-1 with class teacher to check they understand everything. The head will understand all the legal rules and the options you have.

You will be extra worried if you have that situation and so in your circs I would try to do any questions in private, so that you can just stay quiet in group things.

Good luck!

Thank you so much. Mums net has helped me so much with these things. I can build them up in my head . But with this I can ask and get useful info which makes such a difference and helps me to be prepared. Thank you

We had a meeting in the hall with a talk from headteacher & reception teacher.
Just basic stuff like welcome to the school, given contact information etc & information about uniforms , school values, chat from pta.
Then we all had a look round the reception classroom were there was some arts & craft stuff set out and we could if we wanted design something with a message on that was given to the child on the first day! Was good fun tbh & I’m really shy.