Parent consultations are an important opportunity for families and early years practitioners to come together and talk about a child’s progress, development, and wellbeing. These meetings help to strengthen the partnership between home and nursery, ensuring that everyone is working together to support the child’s learning journey.
The purpose of the consultation is to:
Share observations about the child’s social, emotional, and learning development
Celebrate achievements and milestones
Discuss areas where the child may need more support
Talk about school readiness and transition plans (if applicable)
Listen to parents’ insights and questions
Explore how families and practitioners can work together to support the child both at home and in the setting
Above all, parent consultations are a chance to recognise each child as an individual and to ensure they feel happy, confident, and ready for their next steps.
- Keep the tone positive and reassuring.
- Balance strengths with next steps.
- Encourage open dialogue—ask parents how their child is at home.
- Share printed handouts if available (e.g. school readiness checklist).
- Review the child’s learning journal and recent observations.
- Reflect on the child’s progress in all areas, especially:
- Social & emotional development
- Communication & language
- Physical development
- Familiarise yourself with the school readiness checklist.
- Prepare examples of recent achievements and next steps.
- Note any areas where family support at home could help.
- Friendships and group interactions
- Emotional wellbeing and self-regulation
- Independence and resilience
- Communication skills (listening, understanding instructions)
- Toileting and self-care
- Putting on coat/shoes
- Recognising name, interest in books
- Sitting in a group, following simple routines
- What they’re enjoying
- Special milestones
- Focus areas (e.g. sharing, pencil grip, attention span)
- Practice independence (e.g. dressing, opening lunch boxes)
- Read stories daily and talk about them
- Support turn-taking and sharing during play
- Give choices to encourage decision-making
- Encourage tidy-up routines and following instructions
Practitioner expectations for Parent Consultations
If you are a key worker of a child between the age of 24 and 36 months, you will be required to arrange a parent consultation after you have completed the two-year check.
If you are a key worker for preschool children in their final year of preschool, you are required to arrange two parent consultations; one in November and one in May, to discuss the child’s readiness for school.
Parent Consultation Plans
School Readiness Guide and Checklist
A sample script for explaining to parents about School Readiness
“School readiness isn’t about knowing letters and numbers – it’s about being emotionally and physically ready to take part in a busy school day. That includes being able to follow routines, listen to adults, ask for help, and manage personal care like going to the toilet independently.
Schools will expect children to be able to sit in a group, take turns, express their needs, and begin to engage with learning activities. Some academic awareness is helpful, but things like confidence, curiosity, and independence are key.
When your child starts school, you can expect the school to share information about the curriculum, your child’s learning, and how they’re settling in. There’s usually a transition process, and we’ll support you and your child every step of the way.”