Having a positive view of the opportunity that is presenting itself and knowing how crucial these meetings are to the good of the child. Remembering that you and the parent are on the same side, the crucial adults in this young person’s life. Not just talking but listening too. As a teacher you learn a lot here about the child in your class, you are given fresh eyes about this child. Not underestimating how worked up a parent may be about what you are about to say. Their vulnerability and the words you might use that calm things down. Being sensitive to the parents needs and how they need to be treated in this meeting. Showing that you know the child, the small details that show you see, and listen, and cherish. Milestones passed. Special talents observed. Effort made. Achievement. Always beginning on a positive note and ending there too. Having good things to say. Remember this is their precious child, that love is blind sometimes, and that criticism comes as a bereavement.

Never underestimating a parent’s love for their child. Always running with and  building on that. Believing in the parents  even when you are tempted not to. Listening to their concerns. Communicating the  unpalatable gently, sandwiched between items of good news, understated, and never divorced  from hope. Not avoiding expressing your concerns. Always looking for the little steps forward we can all take together. Targets for little victories that  are achievable. Painting what success looks like. Looking for ways to mobilise the parents in the interests of their child’s education. Little initiatives that enhance learning at home. Finding  ways to set up parent/child collusion in learning. Asking if the meeting has achieved the parents objectives and if there is anything else the parent wishes to discuss. Arranging further meetings if that would help. Exchanging phone-numbers etc. Adult to adult. Ideally this is not the only time you  talk together.Offering your support and asking for theirs.