How to set up a system for sharing feedback with parents

To effectively share feedback, decide on a simple and consistent method you can stick to, such as a brief email summary after each session or a more detailed report every half-term. The key is to choose a process that is manageable for you and clear for parents, ensuring they feel informed and confident in the progress their child is making.

Why is regular feedback so important?

Consistent communication is more than just a nice-to-have; it's a core part of a professional service. It:

• Builds Trust: Shows parents you are organised, attentive, and invested in their child's success.
• Demonstrates Value: Clearly outlines what was covered in the session, justifying the cost and showing a return on their investment.
• Manages Expectations: Keeps parents informed about their child's strengths and areas needing improvement, preventing surprises.
• Creates a Partnership: Allows parents to support their child's learning at home by reinforcing what you've taught.

What to Include in Your Feedback

Whether it's a quick email or a formal report, aim to cover these key points:

• Topics Covered: A brief summary of the lesson's content (e.g., "We focused on solving quadratic equations and reviewed trigonometry basics.").
• Student Engagement & Strengths: Note what the student did well (e.g., "Showed great enthusiasm for the topic and grasped the core concepts quickly.").
• Areas for Improvement: Frame this constructively (e.g., "The next step is to focus on applying the formula to more complex word problems.").
• Next Steps: Briefly mention what you plan to cover in the next session.

Choosing Your Feedback System

You don't need a complicated system, just one that works for you. Here are three popular options:

1. Post-Session Emails: The simplest method. After each lesson, send a short, templated email to the parent. It's direct and requires no special software. The main drawback is that it can be time-consuming to do this for every student.
2. Shared Digital Document: Create a single Google Doc or similar file for each student and share it with their parent. You can add a new entry after each lesson, creating a running log of progress. This is great for transparency, but you'll need to make sure parents are comfortable using it.
3. Dedicated Tutoring App: Platforms designed for tutors often include communication features alongside scheduling and billing. This looks very professional but usually comes with a monthly subscription fee.

Top Tip: Create a template! Whichever method you choose, having a pre-written template with sections for each point above will save you a huge amount of time. You can just fill in the details for each student.

By setting up a clear system from the start, you establish yourself as a professional and build a strong, lasting relationship with your clients.