Communicating with your child's teachers

If you have any concerns about your child's performance at school, talk to her teacher. Having said that, you don't need to wait until there's a problem - teachers are usually very happy to discuss a child's progress with parents or carers. He or she can also suggest ways in which you as a parent can get more involved.

In the early years and primary school especially, it's well worth getting to know your child's teacher. If you're in contact right from the start it will make things much easier if there are any problems which need discussing later on.

Getting involved with the school

You can also keep in touch with the school as a whole in several ways. Joining the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or becoming a school governor are excellent ways to get to know other parents and teachers.

Talking to other parents at PTA or governors' meetings - or even just at the school gate - will give you a better insight into issues that may affect not just you and your family but other people as well.

Assisting in classrooms or in the school

There will be occasions when parents can help out in classrooms. You could listen to children read, assist them with their work or even help out on school trips.

Many schools will welcome involvement from parents, but some might prefer not to have outside help. Depending on the school, you might be able to offer help on a one-off basis, such as on a trip, or as a more regular commitment.

Do speak to a teacher in your child's school to find out exactly how you can get involved, what you might be asked to do and how you can prepare. Adults who work with children are also required to complete a form declaring they have not been convicted of any offences against children and authorising the local authority to check their police records.

Homework

Helping your child with homework is good way of finding out what your child is learning at school. It's also a useful way of making sure the homework is done on time.

Getting involved in any way you can will give you a feeling of great satisfaction and will reassure the child that you care about their education.

Based on an article by A Suri

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