Writing report card comments parents can use
A good report card comment tells a parent something they couldn't learn from the scores: what their child does well, what to work on next and how they can help. It takes a sentence or two, not a paragraph.
Be specific
“A good term” could describe any pupil. “Reads aloud with confidence and has started using full stops consistently” describes one. Name a skill or a habit you've actually seen.
Say what comes next
Pair each strength with one next step, phrased as something the pupil can do: “Next term, Tolu should practise showing her working in multiplication.” One next step is more useful than a list.
Keep the tone kind and honest
Parents read comments closely. Describe behaviour, not character (“often talks during lessons” rather than “is disruptive”), and avoid comparisons with other pupils.
Save time across a class
Start from the pupil's average and your notes, then adapt a sentence from a shared comment bank instead of starting from nothing. Read each one back with the child in mind before saving.