Positive Relationships: All in a day's work - parent consultations

We have just finished a round of parent consultation afternoons and are glad once again that we offer this time as a means of developing positive relationships with our parents.

The usual times for a catch-up with parents and carers are first thing in the morning and at the end of a session. We call these our 'five-minute moments'. Parents can pass on a great deal of information in these five minutes, from explaining that their child didn't sleep well the previous night, to celebrating that their child can now write their whole name. We can also relay a lot of relevant information in this short time about their child's day, such as details about friendships that are developing and books that their child has enjoyed.

However, to really work in partnership and to review children's progress and development in detail, not forgetting about planning for their next possible steps, providing a more formal chance to meet is a positive step for everyone.

One parent was very surprised but pleased that we offered this special time to talk about her child's development, because this wasn't offered at her child's previous setting. We explained that the consultation provided a good chance, and sometimes the first opportunity, for us to explain about the EYFS Profile and to review a child's progress towards the early learning goals.

PARENT CONCERNS

We found these consultations really beneficial for the children who will be leaving us in July to start school. They gave the parents the chance to talk in depth about their concerns about moving up to 'big school'. We, in turn, had the chance to explain the expectations of a child in a reception class and to tell parents that they needn't be anxious if their child wasn't writing their name - a typical worry.

We were also pleased that a lot of fathers attended the consultations, because it's great that they are involved in the very early stages of their child's journey.

Discussing children's personalities, such as their likes and dislikes and our own insights into certain behaviour, evoked strong emotions in some parents, as it made them realise how well we really know their children. The afternoons were filled with tears and laughter.

We will be offering this longer time to talk again. As the EYFS guidance says, 'When parents and practitioners work together in early years settings, the results have a positive impact on children's development and learning' (PiP card 2.2 Positive Relationships: Parents as partners).