Parents

Parents evening may appear daunting at first but most parents are on your side and fully supportative. The fact that they have taken time out to attend parents evening would suggest they care.

It is always worth starting the interview on a positive note. Even if their child is the worst behaved you have ever encountered try to start with something positive. The chances are the parents have just heard a series of negative comments from various teachers and to hear something positive for a change will grab their attention and put them on your side rather than being defensive about their child. Then having formed a positive relationship go on to mention the negatives that need to be improved. Let them know that you still care about their child.

It is always good, particularly when starting out, to become fully immersed in the life of the school. This could include attending Parent Association meetings and activities. This will help you to realise that many parents are interested in supporting the school and most importantly - you.

If possible try to involve parents in their son or daughter's learning. As an example one school ran 'Parent- Pupil' maths revision lessons where parents joined their child in after-school revision lessons.