ABSTRACT
Engaging well with parents and carers is an important part of a teacher’s role. Schools know that the engagement of parents and carers in their child’s learning is critical to the child’s achievement. Traditional parent/teacher meetings may be too one-sided, with the teacher doing most of the talking and using language related to school systems that may be confusing or full of jargon. This chapter advises teachers that if they work with parents and carers who find communication with school difficult or who can be challenging, they should ask colleagues to support but be persistent, as it will be worth it for the pupil if they can eventually establish a positive line of communication. It explains that the keys to a successful progress or review meeting are planning, setting and listening.
