Home visits

[drcrab]

Hi there
My DS starts reception in September 2012. We've just received a letter saying they'll be doing a home visit in July.

What goes on during these visits? Who turns up? My son should be present then? Do I need to serve home made cake and tea in best china?

Big spring clean on I reckon?

Any advice please? Thanks!!

I do these and have had 2 for my DCs too.
I think the primary reason is to meet the child and parent in their own setting. It's less threatening and children seem less aprehensive about starting school as they've met you on more social terms. We do ours in September though. July to September is a long time for a small child.

I have to be honest though, I'm only human and I do notice things like dirt, lack of toys, smoking etc I just try to be proffessional and not judgmental. Sometimes a beautifully presented home hides problems and a messy home is a sign of a busy family and contented children (like my house :) )
Sometimes what I see helps me to help and understand problems that develop later but I don't assume problems from what I see (except if I saw used needles or children living in squalor).

A friend of mine said they were also helpful in evaluating whether the child might need extra support.

I think they sound quite a pleasant idea.

I would second the idea that one reason for home visits is probably to show that everyone lives where they claim to live for admissions purposes.

Of course you will feel like you are being judged - I feel that way when anyone visits, family included. Why else would I tidy/clean etc before guests arrive?!

It's human nature to want to appear at our best, that doesn't mean that anyone IS actually judging you, but yes, the teacher will be forming opinions of you & your DC so that they know what they're dealing with. Other than that, its a chance for the child to meet the teacher in a familiar setting and for the parent to discuss any concerns on home territory too.

There are usually plenty of opportunities to meet at school as well, but the home visit seems somehow more personal, which can only be a good thing when you're entrusting your little one into their care.

I liked having the home visits with dd1. I didn't feel judged (although I my house was tidier than its ever been!)
It was a great opportunity to have one to one time with her teacher informally. DD1 was initially shy but soon v. excited to show her all her home & toys and I felt that really helped her to bond with her teacher. It made it all seem much more personal. I don't feel it would have been the same if it had been at the school.

Fling open the door, and tell the teacher to be quiet because (and make sure you beam with pride as you tell them this) little one is just completing the next level of Grand Theft Auto.

They are a new thing. I seem to have got three children through the starting of school process without having to make pleasantries with some random teacher who will not even know my children by the end of reception nevermind the end of the home visit in my experience.

Wow, sorry your experience has been that bad Mosman, but not all schools and teachers are alike. Like many others I found it an exceptionally positive experience, especially as the whole going to school thing can be a big deal for 4 year olds, so it was especially nice to meet their teachers at home.

Our reception teacher and TA, plus all the other reception staff, are very engaged and caring and know all the children as individuals, plus are very good at communicating with parents. It's not always negative!

They aren't so bad, pretty much the norm in my experience.

If Home visits are so harmless, with no judging going on, why dont the teachers invite parents and kids to thier homes?

it may help the kids relate to the teacher if they 'see where they are coming from'?

My dining room looks like a classroom ATM. Dunno what the nursery teacher will make of that. DS does work outside of school so there are educational resources around, projects on the wall, time-telling tools and currently bunting.........

Both my dds loved their home visits - made them feel special, and more comfortable starting school as they had met their teachers, and their teachers had seen them at home, had tea with them/mum, met their special cuddlies etc.

I really wouldn't worry about cleaning! Clear space on the sofa is all