Am not able to attend parents evening next week so asked the teacher if I could see her this week instead and

[Notalone]

..... it was fab. Usually I am in and out in 3 minutes, other parents can overhear what is being said and I don't really feel any the wiser. Last years DS had a crap teacher who's only comment was "he doesn't use scissors correctly" . Today DS's lovely teacher spent half an hour with me discussing his progress, showing his work and answering any questions I had in detail, and for once I now feel that I know exactly where he is at. Wish most parents evenings could be like this though I guess if they were the poor teacher would be there until at least 3am.

Can understand - sometimes you feel that they almost say the same thing with each child, just altering it slightly. I think the pressure to get through all the parents in one or two evenings is just too great. At DD's secondary we sit at individual desks in a large hall and the teachers move round you all. Every 5 mins a bell goes and they move on. No privacy at all and sometimes you don't get time to see all the teachers. Last time didn't see Maths or English - bit of a wasted evening.

Yes thats right SDR. I never feel as if I really know what is going on so yesterday was such a lovely surprise. Secondary sounds awful - almost like speed dating lol

We always go for the last evening appointment at our junior school, by which time the teacher is usually running about an hour late. Well, it shows they're taking it seriously

This is exactly what I did for the past 2 years. Parents evening for me always coincides with an afer school activity, so I book an alternative date with the teachers.

Its great!