Parent Evenings

[Waitingonasunnyday]

Hello Staffroomers

Hope you don't mind a quick question from a parent... Parent Teacher Consultation Focus Partnership Meetings or whatever they are called now are due at my DC junior school soon.

I always wonder if I am getting it 'right'.

1. They start by asking if I have any questions.
2. I ask how my child is doing.
3. Teacher gives me some fudgey positive answer but without saying anything concrete etc 'they are middle of the class' or 'they are great at spelling' or 'they need to practise their tables more'.
4. I ask if they are well behaved.
5. Teacher says yes.
6. I ask if there is anything specific we should be doing at home to help DC.
7. They tell me that its important to read lots and use everyday maths etc but its all stuff that would apply to any child tbh.
8. We remember DC is sitting there and ask if there is anything they want to say; they mumble no.
9. We say thank you very much and we are really keen to support DC and please let us know of any issue ever that we can support the school with and off we go.

10. Later will read millions of facebook posts 'sooo blessed, my amazing child is doing so well at school, proudest mum eva' from parents and 'so exhausted after late night at parents evening' from the teachers.

What I REALLY want to know is - how capable and clever are they and are they making the most of this? I am quite happy to get negative information if it is REAL and something can be done. I just think I have one DC in particular who gets by and doesn't cause any bother but doesn't shine either. Is he doing the best he can, is he lazy, is he actually pedalling like mad to keep up, because I have no idea from parents evening as its all so positive yet unspecific.

Ask how they are doing in maths, reading and writing compared to national expectation-that's the only thing I am interested in (apart from-are they happy and behaving, obviously).

If they are below where they should be, I'd ask what specifics can be done to help them, if they are at or above the expected level, I would thank the teacher and be on my way as that's told me what I need to know.