Home visit

[Bumblefeck]

DS is due to start nursery in Sept. His teacher and nursery nurse are coming for a home visit on Wednesday afternoon.

What should I expect? Is it just to introduce themselves? Should I be asking questions?

I don't know why I'm worried, just want to make a good impression I suppose. Help!

Don't panic! They aren't there to judge but to suss out the environment your child comes from so they can help him best (and so they don't seem so scary to him).

As long as there is somewhere tidy for them to sit, offer them a cup of tea (bet they say no, don't be offended) and let them see DS happy and playing. Maybe get DS to show them his favourite toy.

Ask them things about the nursery routine, how many children will be in his class and what facilities they have.

to suss out the environment your child comes from

What does that mean?
Someone told me it's purely to categorise the parents' social class.

It means a nicer version of that I think.

If the child is from a good home (regardless of class), is loved, has enough to eat and drink has parents willing and able to help him/her develop then that child is going to need different things from the nursery than those who can't speak- because noone talks to them, aren't being toilet trained at home, and don't have parents that are interested in their development.

Nurserys have a social function and end up doing more 'parenting' type things with children who aren't getting it at home (obviously no nursery can replicate parenting in the short sessions the child is there, but some attempt can be made).

Children from any social class can be neglected.

don't have parents that are interested in their development

how are they going to assess that from a brief visit unless it's glaringly obvious? (like parent insists on MNing all thru the home-visit ).

See, I'm really worried about the toilet training. We have been trying forever, but DS just is not getting it. Obviously I'm not going to give up but I'm worried about catsbum mouth/his teacher thinking I'm lazy or not bothering.

DS is also extremely....erm....lively. He is generally well behaved but he does everything at 90 miles an hour. I don't want them thinking he's going to be a problem before he's even started!

FGS listen to me making problems already....I really need to chill out

It is a good time to voice your concerns.

DD is in nursery now and due to start reception in sept and when she had her home visit it lasted about 20 mins. 2 of the teachers came and chatted to DD about her favourite toys etc and then asked me any concerns I might have.

That was about it really.

Oh yes, nearly forgot, they brought a little pack which had a picture of her classroom, where she will hang her coat and her start date too.

Adventures, I don't think it's a perfect system, and I would hope the teachers doing the visit would have enough sense and experience not to make judgements they can't justify. However, it does give them a feel for things and kicks start the relationship with the family.

I wouldnt worry too much about the potty training, the home visit is a good time for you to talk to the teacher about this. Better you all work together to solve it once he starts nursery- he definitely won't be the only one who hasn't got it yet.

Do 'chill out' (your words, not mine) Bumblefeck they're not there to check you out !

I work in a nursery & also CM; these visits are (from my perspective) a great way of quickly assessing your child & using what I observe to ensure his/her transition into the setting goes as smoothly as possible; for you too!
End of.
Interest ends there.

Every 2-7 year old is vastly different
( we know that, we're trained in Child development)

& really it's no more sinister than your DS's potential new carers ensuring you get an opportunity, in private, to ask all the daft PFB questions you want.

Relax and be yourself. Let them lead the visit & see your child playing/relaxing/throwing a tantrum, whatever's the norm at that time because that's REALLY important care-sharing information!!

re the toilet training - not a problem as they will/should work with you & will/should be really helpful in that area!

You'll be fine...

I always think any-one that even bothers to question their parenting can't be half bad
(it's the ones who don't even think about their 'parenting' I won't have a cuppa with)