Parents' evening at nursery - should I go?

[scareybee]

My DS is 7 months old and has just started nursery 3 days a week. In a couple of weeks' time, there's a parents' evening, a 'chance to chat about your child's progress while they're not around'.

It's going to be very difficult for me to get to as I'm a single parent so will have to get my mum to come up in the afternoon so I can be there for 6.30.

I know he's only been there for such a short while that they won't have a lot to tell me but would it be useful for me to go to this or subsequent ones? What kind of things are discussed when your child is so little? And will they think I'm a terrible uncaring parent if I don't go?!

oh sounds like tosh

ask them to phone you with an update

what are they going to say? yes he is very nicely gumming the toys

I am sure you'll know if he isn't settled and happy on pick-up

We had these at my kids nursery..what a total waste of time...they won't tell you anything you don't already know about your son.

Instead you could ask to see any records they keep on his progress when you next go in?

There should be plenty of chance to talk to them when you drop off/pick up your ds, I'm sure if you explained your situation you could have a chat before he actually saw you.

I think it will be what they think the parents want so I really wouldn't worry. I went to one (when dd was 3) wish I hadn't!!

Thanks

Just needed some reassurance that they weren't going to put me in the don't-give-a-toss career woman category.

He does have a little book where they write down every teeny detail of his day so that's enough to keep me going

I would just explain they will understand (and be secretely glad that they get to go home 15 minutes earlier!)
I think they are useful for parents that don't drop off/pick up, for older children, to discuss sensitive issues etc

I went to my DS's "parents evening" when he was 10 months old. Honestly - whilst it was nice to see some other bits and pieces (like observational records etc.) that I don't look at day to day - I wasn't told anything I didn't already know ! I didn't really meet any other parents, and in total honesty - I won't be going through the hassle of getting a babysitter next time ! I suppose, if you don't drop off or pick up the child yourself everyday, then they might be useful - but in my experience - don't waste your time ! My DP was away at the time - so I had to do all on my own - and it really wasn't worth the effort. I made a pact with myself, that I will make the effort once he goes to school !!

I had one of these for dd2 who is 3

I actually forgot and when I went in the next time I was off work, the woman showed me her 'work' and I said "tbh, she is 3, what are you actually showing me? is this just some box to tick for Ofsted?" and she laughed and said of thank god, someone normal

so tbh, I just ask them things at drop off and pick up, ie is she settling, being ok, playing etc etc

no need for special visit imo

Why dont you ring them, and arrange to see someone before you bring ds home. I did this for my little one.

I quite enjoyed it - I saw a lot of things he had been doing that I didnt know he could do - plus I got ideas for birthday/ xmas pressies by seeing the things he enjoyed there. Anyway, I just loved the chance to rabbit on about him as he is so lovely!

Parents evening are for staff and parents to talk about any issues about the children.

They're really aimed at those parents who drop off on the run and don't have time to talk.

If the staff are good enough at communicating with parents(and vice versa) at picking up and dropping off times, there's no need for them.

My nursery is going to have a week of informal chats on offer! A parent will be able to pop in and see thier key-worker at the end of the day and have a non-rushed chat.