Making the Most of Target Setting

Stage 1 – Preparing for Parents’ Evenings

FreshSteps education centre will invite you to attend TARGET SETTING DAYS at least 3 times a year. This is an excellent opportunity to find out how your child is progressing and to meet your child’s teachers.
At the beginning of the year, FreshSteps will publish a calendar which includes all the dates of TARGET SETTING.
This information is also displayed on the school web site and you will receive at least ONE text the week before your child’s parents’ evening to remind you. Make a note of the date of the parents’ evening as soon as you get it.

To make the most of target setting, you can prepare a little beforehand without spending lots of time. Here are some ideas:

You will receive a END OF TERM REPORT REVIEW before. Carefully - take note of the RED, AMBER AND GREEN - (RAG) - this will help you focus on areas that need work - Find out more from your child as to why they are rated RED - BELOW or AMBER - meaning that they are working towards targeted level. GREEN indicates your child is doing well.
Make a note of any questions you want to ask the teachers. Remember to include any concerns you may have about emotional and social progress, such as how well your child fits in, or anything to do with friendship problems.

Stage 2 – Target setting itself

At FreshSteps we operate an appointment system and it is best to make sure you make appointment to get a full picture of your child’s progress.
You must bring your child with you.

Other Ways to Stay Connected

Having a good relationship with your child’s teacher can create an important link between home and school.

Look out for TEXTS and E-MAILS from the school giving you important information. Please remember to update your personal contact details with the school if they change and remember to include an e-mail address and mobile numbers.
Stay in touch with your child’s TUTOR
Check the School News page weekly, this will keep you up to date with school news and events. This will keep you up to date with school news and events.
Try not to overrun your time. If you feel there isn’t enough time to cover all the issues at target setting, you can always arrange to talk to the teacher again either on the phone or by making an appointment.
Be prepared to listen – try not to jump to conclusions or criticise the teachers or school without really listening to what they have to say. It helps teachers and parents to share information and knowledge about the child.
Ask questions – if you don’t agree with something or you are not sure what a teacher means, don’t feel embarrassed to ask.
Try to come away from the meeting with some positive steps that you, your child and the teachers will take to help your child succeed.

Useful Questions you may want to ask as a Parent/Carer

What are my child’s strengths?
Has my child shown any special talents?
What is my child finding difficult and how can I help with this?
Can you show me examples of these?
Does my child try hard enough?
Does my child join in class discussions?
How can I help with my child’s work in general?
Has my child made sufficient progress since their last report?
Does my child complete H/W to a good standard and and does s/he hand it in on time?
Is my child happy at the School?
Has my child made friends?
Does my child’s behaviour give cause for concern?

You may wish to tell the teacher about any changes at home such as: