10 Questions to Ask At Parents’ Evening (and Why They Matter)

The new school year is in full swing, and children, parents and teachers have settled into their new routines. As autumn approaches, so does parents evening’ or as some schools call it the parent-teacher consultation. You may be wondering what to expect from this short but important meeting, and how to make the most of your time with your child’s teacher.

 Who am I?

 I’m Zeba, founder of Learn with Zeba and a qualified teacher of 10 years. At Learn with Zeba we help children discover their love for learning through practical strategies that work, offering 1-1 and small group tutoring both in person and online. Here on the blog, I share simple, teacher-approved tips to help parents feel confident supporting their child at home.

 What is parents evening?

 Parents evening or the parent-teacher consultation is a short meeting between you and your child’s teacher. The class teacher will often have as many as 20 appointments in one evening, so timekeeping is essential to make sure every family gets their full slot.

 You will have a 10 minute slot to discuss how your child is progressing both pastorally and academically. Your child’s teacher knows them well and will want to share key insights about their learning, behaviour and wellbeing in class.  

 How to approach parents evening?

 Arrive on time for your allocated slot. If missed, the teacher may need to reschedule or reduce your time.

 If possible, look through your child’s books (especially maths, writing and comprehension) beforehand. This gives you a sense of how they are doing in school.

 Remember both you and your child’s teacher are working together to support your child. Maintaining a good professional relationship helps ensure open communication and trust.   

Here are 10 thoughtful questions to ask

1. Has my child settled well in class?

This one is vital for you child’s wellbeing. Children learn and thrive when they feel safe, happy and confident. If any concerns come up, make a note to arrange a separate follow up meeting.

2. What are their strengths in (English, Maths, Phonics) subject?

Hearing what your child does well is powerful. It helps you celebrate their wins and build motivation.

 3. What areas could they improve on?

A clear answer here gives you a focus for home learning or extra tuition support.

 4. How does my child cope when the work gets harder?

 This question highlights your child’s mindset and how they manage challenge. It helps you understand their confidence, focus and resilience — essential skills for long term learning.

 5. How much progress has my child made since the start of the year?

This shifts the focus away from comparing to others and onto individual growth.

 6. How can we best support learning at home?

Teachers can share simple strategies or routines that align with what is happening in class — often easy to weave into daily life.

 7. How does my child work with others?

Social and collaborative skills are just as important as academic success. This question gives insight into your child’s teamwork, behaviour and communication skills.

 8. What are the key learning skills for this term?

Knowing these specific skills helps you can track progress at home too and gives your child a sense of purpose and direction.

 9. Are there any upcoming assessments we should prepare for?

This helps you plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress. Examples include:

·      Early Years Foundation Stage Profile

·      Year 1 Phonics Screening

·      Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check

·      Year 2 and 6 SATS.

·      Independent sector: 7+, 8+ and 11+ entrance exams

 10. What’s one thing that would really help my child this term?

Teachers often have a simple, practical suggestion that can make a big difference — whether it’s confidence, organisation, or focus.

 How Learn with Zeba can help

Parents’ evening can sometimes highlight gaps that are difficult to close within a busy classroom setting. That’s where Learn with Zeba can help.

With personalised tutoring sessions for primary-aged children (4–11), we help pupils:

•     Build confidence in maths, reading and writing

•     Strengthen foundational skills

•    Prepare for entrance exams and SATs in a calm, structured way.

Whether your child needs a confidence boost or steady ongoing support, we offer 1:1 and small group sessions, both in person and online.