Home visit by school teacher

[K2012]

Hi there

I need some advice. My son will be starting school in September (reception) and the school has said they’re coming to our house for a visit. They said his teacher will be visiting everyone from his class.

I didn’t grow up in the UK so I find this a bit strange thing to do. Is this normal here?
What to expect? What kind of visit is it? Do I need to prepare anything etc.?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Yes it's normal, they visit all children that are starting school as far as I know. Just to get to know you a bit and meet your child. I'm a mum not a teacher, I'm sure a teacher could give a better explanation.

Perfectly normal.

Lets the child meet them in a familiar environment.

Gives you a chance to say stuff you may not wish to say with other parents within earshot.

Helps them understand home situation (in a supportive non judgemental way).

They’re did this 7 years ago when DD started. It was about 10 mins, just in the living room introducing themselves, explaining what the first day will look like and asking if DD was worried about anything, what she liked, what she didn’t. It was really informal and just a bit of a chat.

Yes it's normal. Its usually a quick 15 minute visit to meet you and your child in an environment that is familiar and comfortable. They'll probably ask you about him, his interests, if you have any concerns etc. They'll chat with your DS about his interests, maybe ask to see his favourite toy etc, just normal little kid small talk.

Yes it's very common. It's just to help the transition to school, for the teacher and your child to meet in their home environment.
It will be informal and give you all an opportunity to get to know each other a little.
Don't worry about it just be yourself

Totally normal, my best friend was a reception teacher and she spent some of the summer term doing home visits.

Ours was nice. We’d been to the school to look around and have a brief chat with the teacher but the home visit was good for DD who got to show the teacher and TA her favourite books, ask any questions etc. It lasted about 15 minutes.

Yes it's normal. Enables you and your child to meet teacher and TA in advance of starting. Really informal chat about interests mainly - in the room you invite us into. Also a private place to share any worries you might have and ask questions. Often 15 mins.

Yes it's normal for England, it was a shock for me too first time as I come from France. They say it's to get to know the family and student but they basically do a basic welfare check too and let you ask questions. You'll be fine.

It’s normal but doesn’t happen in all areas or for all schools.

Perfectly normal
and standard practice. Just remember to hide away the gimp masks and crack pipes before they arrive.

It's normal. At my dc primary school the teacher visits the children in preschool but ds3 didn't go to preschool so they came to our house instead.

It's totally optional as well.

DC1 started in covid so it wasn't happening. DC2 it was booked in but we had to cancel that morning as had to take DH to urgent treatment centre instead. It's not a big deal, just a little hello to help the transition.

You definitely don't need to prepare anything, worry about it or even have it if you don't want to. It isn't there to judge you.

The teachers were lovely at our home visits. My DD wanted to show them her playroom and bedroom and they asked us if that was ok before accepting.

Yes - I took it that they were wanting to check people actually live in the catchment area. They just ask you a few questions, fill their forms out and leave. It’s also a chance for them to meet and observe your child in their home environment.

It's completely normal, my kids teachers did this 25 years ago.

Despite many suspicions of ulterior motives this is simply an initiative to give you and the child an opportunity to meet the teacher (and in our case also the TA) in a familiar place and to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you might have in private.

It gave my Dc loads of confidence.

But it isn't compulsory so if you don't want them to come, just decline.

I’ve never heard of it happening where I live in south wales.

I was surprised at this too when my Dd started reception. What was worse was halfway through my semi-feral rescue cat took a massive dump on the rug, right in front of the teacher’s feet. Mortified doesn’t begin to cover it! The teacher was lovely about it, and I’m not sure a worse first impression is possible!

Thank you very much for all the replies

I didn't have this at all - back in 2007 / 09 , but my relative who was an infant school teacher did do home visits - i can remember her talking about it in the 80s and 90s.

DD's nursery did this but not the school. I think it's a positive thing.

Forgot to add that we had a teams meeting during the school holidays once when my youngest was year 5 which the head teacher attended. Ds loved it and took the opportunity to introduce the head teacher to his favourite teddy. Teddy was invited to visit the head teacher in his office the following term which ds loved.

@K2012 It’s not normal everywhere. Certainly not where I live. Good records are kept by nurseries and you visit the school to pass on info about dc. I’d be expecting the YR teachers to be teaching to be honest. They might want to visit Sen dc but for most dc it’s not necessary at all. I’m amazed it’s still happening anywhere. Much more useful to have a taster morning in school!

We had this with dd2 but not dd1. It was nice and helpful.