Preparing For Meetings

Preparing For Meetings

Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for meetings when discussing your child's education, as well as tips to bear in mind both during and after meetings:

Before the meeting

Ensure that are prepared. 

• Write down any questions you want to ask
• Arrange for a family friend/relative to attend with you
• Consider childcare arrangements
• Check if you have booked enough time for the meeting, including travel time
• Pre-warn the school what you want to discuss, this allows them time to gather any relevant paperwork

During the meeting

• Stay focused on what you want to get out of the meeting
• Take notes and write down answers to the questions you have written
• Keep the discussion about your child
• If there is anything you don’t understand, ask them to explain what they mean.
• Stay calm and polite, you will most likely be listened to with this approach
• If you need a break, don’t hesitate to ask.
• Run through any actions discussed (check time spans, responsibility etc.)
• If a professional has taken notes request a copy
• Ask for another review date to meet up (if necessary)

After the meeting

If after the meeting you still have concerns, you can contact us for further information, advice and support.

We can:

• Listen to your concerns
• Help you sort out the issues
• Identify other people who can support you
• Help you decide what to do next (we cannot make decisions for you)
• Explain the law and your rights.