Supporting teachers at parents' evening

Reduce the stress around parents’ evenings with expert advice on planning and running the event. Download and share our top tips and a talking points template to help staff have effective discussions.

Last reviewed on 25 July 2023
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 43941
Contents
  1. Plan the timing to minimise stress
  2. Share our top tips and template with staff
  3. Anticipate problems
  4. Offer extra support where needed
  5. Build a culture of regular and open dialogue

Plan the timing to minimise stress

Stagger the meetings over several days

That way, teachers don’t have to have all their pupils’ books ready and marked at the same time.

Offer parents flexibility, but don’t overburden staff with meetings

If parents can’t make the parents' evening, offer them an appointment on another day. Always check with the teacher before you book any appointments.

Make sure everyone sticks to time limits

Make it clear to parents that they need to stick to their assigned time slot.

For in-person meetings, provide everyone with a timer and a clearly printed timetable they can keep on their desk.

In a secondary school, parents will have meetings with lots of different teachers. If