Nursery home visit for 11 month old.

[ChambourcyHippopotamousse]

DS2 is due to start nursery in a few weeks and when I enquiried about settling in periods they advised that first there would be a home visit.

I understand the benefits of these for older children starting reception but I was a bit confused about the need for one for such a young child.

Does anyone have any experience of this? TIA

[scurryfunge]

I would be uncomfortable with this too. However, I believe they do it to so that the child meets them in a safe comfortable environment.

[weddingopinionsplease]

They do this as standard at my son's nursery. It's blatantly to check up on our homes and us as parents. I just got on with it, they came and played with my son while I filled in some forms and chatted, no big deal.

[rumblingDMexploitingbstds]

Offering a home visit to new families is generally good practice in early years, it's voluntary and so the preschools and nurseries who do this generally are ones who go above and beyond, as they're paying a member of staff to go off site just to give you and your child undivided attention. Children can feel more trusting of adults they've seen parents welcome into their home, as that's a clear message this is someone mum and dad are ok with, so it helps with settling.

You certainly don't have to accept, it's not compulsory, it won't be a home check of any kind, although they may like to see your child's bedroom to get an idea of the routine you use and how your child prefers to settle for naps. It's about making exclusive time for you and your child, and making the effort to get to know you on your own turf where you feel most confident. If they're going this extra mile I'd think this is probably a quality setting and you've picked a good one!

[rumblingDMexploitingbstds]

whoops, awful cross post with weddings - So sorry to hear you felt you were being checked out! It really shouldn't be.

Honestly, in the area I've worked in, only the good ones do this and it's with only good intentions, nurseries have no remit for checking out anything!

[ChambourcyHippopotamousse]

It just means that I've got to do a 'big clean' but I don't mind if it's worth it for DS. Not sure about them roaming about upstairs though!

Thanks All, it's seems as though it's not uncommon now.

[Velodromedary]

Ours did this and I think it really helped DD (and me!) become more familiar with her keyworker & the nursery manager and ask questions in a less hectic environment. It also meant we could take some photos which you're not allowed to do at nursery, to then look at and talk about which I think helped to prepare her too.

[rumblingDMexploitingbstds]

They're visitors with no rights whatsoever to go anywhere you don't want them to go! No upstairs unless you chose to invite them.

[HSMMaCM]

I recently did a home visit for a 10 month old. I could see what toys she chose to play with at home. I watched how she ate her lunch and how she reacted when she had her. Ally chanted.

It was really helpful, as her first few days could reflect her home environment as much as possible.

I also do parents evenings in their homes too. These mostly involve drinking wine, but are helpful for an informal chat and I also notice things like whether the child has a computer set up for them to use, new toys, new way of storing books, or whatever, which can lead to a greater understanding of how they feel at my setting.

I have never searched a house. I've only used the toilet if I really needed to. More importantly, it's not compulsory, but parents find it helpful.

[HSMMaCM]

Ally chanted = nappy changed !

[insancerre]

Calm down people!
It's nothing to do with checking up on you
It's wholly for the benefit of the child, to make the transition to nursery easier and to start the key person relationship
And it does help

[ChambourcyHippopotamousse]

I'm not sure he'd remember the visitors next time he saw them though!

[insancerre]

Why not?
Of course he would