Good questions turn a meeting from a presentation into a conversation. You will not need all of these. Choose the ones that matter most for your child, take the list with you, and write the answers beside each question. If you are still getting ready, start with our preparation checklist.
About where your child is now
- What are my child’s strengths in class?
- What is hardest for my child at the moment, and how do you know?
- What have you already tried, and what worked?
- How does my child get on with other children, including at break and other less structured times?
About the goals
- What are the main goals for this year, and why these ones?
- How will we know when a goal has been reached?
- Can you show me an example of what success looks like?
- Do the goals cover skills such as communication and independence, as well as school subjects?
- If we can only focus on one or two goals first, which matter most?
About support and services
- What support will my child receive, who will provide it, how often and for how long?
- Will it happen inside the classroom or outside it? How will that affect time with classmates?
- What training or experience do the teachers and helpers have?
- What happens when the usual teacher or helper is absent?
- Which therapists or specialists will be involved, and how will they share information with the class teacher?
About the classroom
- What changes will be made in class, for example to seating, instructions, timing or materials?
- How will homework and tests be adapted?
- How will you help other children understand and include my child?
About behaviour and wellbeing
- What happens when my child becomes overwhelmed or upset? Is there a calm space or a plan?
- How will you let me know about incidents, and how quickly?
- Who will notice if my child seems unhappy, and what will they do?
About progress and communication
- How will you track progress, and how will I see it?
- Who is my main contact at the school, and how can I reach them?
- How often will we speak between reviews?
- When is the next review, and can I ask for one sooner if I am worried?
About exams and the future
- Which exam adjustments does our board allow, such as extra time or a scribe, and what papers are needed to apply?
- How will the plan carry over when my child moves to the next class or school?
- For older students: how will the plan prepare my child for life after school?
If the plan is not working
- What will we do if my child is not making progress?
- How do I raise a concern, and who should I raise it with?
Questions to ask yourself
What would I like my child to be able to do in twelve months? What am I willing to try at home to support the plan? What would help me feel the meeting went well?
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, A Guide to the Individualized Education Program.
- Maryland State Department of Education, The Individualized Education Program (IEP): A Parent’s Guide.
- Government of India, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Section 17 (examination adjustments).
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice. If something here does not match your situation, please speak to a qualified professional.