Navigating Parents’ Evening for a Child with Dyslexia: What to Ask and How to Secure Classroom Support

Parents’ evening offers a valuable opportunity to advocate for your child, especially if they have dyslexia. While it can feel overwhelming, this meeting allows you to work collaboratively with teachers to enhance your child’s learning environment. With thoughtful preparation, you can make the most of this time.

Here’s a guide to help you prepare and key supports to consider requesting in the classroom.

Preparation: Go Equipped and Organised

Preparation is key to ensuring you cover all your concerns. Write down a list of questions or points to discuss in advance and bring it with you to the meeting. Take a pen to jot down any new points that come to mind during the discussion or note essential information the teacher shares. This will help you remember key details and stay focused.

If your child has been formally diagnosed with dyslexia, bring a copy of the diagnostic report and highlight any specific recommendations for support. Teachers may not have all the details at their fingertips, so pointing out these recommendations can help clarify what’s needed and keep the conversation focused on effective strategies.

Key Areas to Discuss with the Teacher

Understanding Dyslexia in the Classroom
It’s essential that the teacher understands how dyslexia affects your child individually, as each child’s experience is unique. Discuss any specific challenges your child faces, such as reading fluency, spelling, or written expression, and describe any strategies that have worked well at home or with previous class teachers. This can help the teacher better tailor support to your child’s needs.

Progress in Core Skills
Ask about your child’s progress in literacy, with a focus on areas like reading, comprehension, spelling, and writing. Specific questions to consider include:

• How is my child performing in class?
• Have you noticed any improvements in specific areas, or are there particular skills where they seem to be struggling?
• Is there anything in particular that we could be practicing at home?

Confidence and Participation
Dyslexia can sometimes impact a child’s confidence and willingness to participate. You might ask:

• How comfortable does my child seem during class discussions or group activities?
• Are they confident in asking for help when they need it?

This can help you gauge whether your child feels supported and safe in their learning environment.

Specific Supports to Request in the Classroom

The right classroom support can make a significant difference. Here are some effective accommodations you might consider discussing:

Access to Assistive Technology
Assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software, spell-check tools, and audiobooks, can make a meaningful impact for dyslexic students. Ask if your child has access to these tools in the classroom and whether they’re encouraged to use them. If the school can provide training on these tools, it can make your child feel more confident using them.

Extra Time for Reading and Writing Tasks
Reading and writing tasks can be particularly time-consuming for dyslexic students. Request extra time for tasks that require a lot of reading or writing, such as tests and assignments. Alternatively, ask if assignments can be broken into smaller, more manageable segments to reduce overwhelm. If your child is in secondary school you may ask about exam access arrangements and whether they feel your child would benefit from these.

Scaffolded Writing Support
Writing can be especially challenging for dyslexic students. Ask if the teacher can provide structured templates or graphic organisers to help your child outline and organise their ideas. Breaking down the writing process into smaller steps—like brainstorming, planning, drafting, and revising—can make it more manageable.

Quiet Spaces or Breaks During the Day
Concentration fatigue is common in dyslexic children, who often put extra effort into reading and writing. Ask if there’s a quiet area or if short breaks can be incorporated into the day, especially during particularly demanding tasks, to help them reset and refocus.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification

Sometimes, teachers use specialised terms or “teacher talk” that may be unfamiliar. Don’t hesitate to ask for explanations if you don’t understand something. While teachers are experts in their field, remember that you are the expert on your child. Your insights and experiences are invaluable, and most teachers will appreciate this additional perspective, which can help them understand your child more holistically.

Bringing Evidence and Examples

If you have specific concerns about your child’s dyslexia or another area, come prepared with a few examples to illustrate these concerns. This evidence could be a piece of homework, a spelling test, or even practical examples such as challenges following instructions during sports.

Setting Up a Communication Plan

An ongoing dialogue with the teacher is essential for continuous support. Ask if there’s a way to stay updated on your child’s progress and address any emerging challenges. Some schools may offer an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with regular reviews, while others may encourage email updates or quick check-ins. A clear communication plan helps keep everyone informed and ensures that issues are addressed promptly.

Remember, Teachers are Human Too

It’s important to remember that teachers are human! They understand, empathise, and genuinely want the best for your child. Teachers are there to help you, and they value the insights and perspectives you bring. A positive, collaborative approach can make all the difference in establishing a supportive environment for your child.