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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

Original poster

Teachers home visits for kids starting reception

97 replies

Auk1 · 06/09/2023 10:59

My neighbours just had a huge row about this. Shes fine, he most definitely is not. Overheard, (all windows are open as its so hot!) he said,” No f…ing way is any teacher coming in this house! Kids see their teacher's at school and thats that. Anyone comes knocking and they will meet with a violent f… ing reception!” He was so angry. He went on to say he knows of someone who is a meth head and has just started teaching, that there is no way he wants some random in his house. Then the front door slammed and she walked off down the road with her youngest.
I actually home ed my autistic 11 year old who heard all of this too. He piped up and said, “ Do you know what mum? The whole school system is broken and needs to be changed.” He went on to inform me that school has barely changed since it started, and that originally it was to train up factory workers!

OP posts:
YukoandHiro · 06/09/2023 11:02

What's your question? Other than posting your neighbour's trauma for hits...?

Seashellies · 06/09/2023 11:06

The school system is broken due to a lack of funding and investment in both staff, resources and facilities. Schools have evolved over time so without being harsh as he's only 11...it's an ignorant view. Your neighbour sounds genuinely unhinged, although hoping this is a load of fantasy anyway as teacher visits would have already happened for this year's cohort.

TroutofnoCraic · 06/09/2023 11:11

I've worked in both teaching and social work...this sort of reaction would raise concerns around DV or coercive control.
One family in particular, the dad would say things like this all the time and often to professionals. They were always bouncing in and out of CIN and CP plans. He's in prison now for a serious assault on his wife.

Or he could just be a twat who doesn't like teachers.

Original poster
Auk1 · 06/09/2023 11:12

My question is what do people think about home visits?

OP posts:
Seashellies · 06/09/2023 11:17

Auk1 · 06/09/2023 11:12

My question is what do people think about home visits?

Seen as they aren't compulsory and here at least they're only offered as an alternative to children not at a local nursery/childcare setting so they don't miss out on meeting their teacher before they start i don't see an issue. I imagine it's more work for teachers and they aren't doing it for their own benefit are they, it's also not a way for them to pass judgements or whatever.

What are your thoughts?

tescocreditcard · 06/09/2023 11:17

Auk1 · 06/09/2023 11:12

My question is what do people think about home visits?

I think it's fine. It's people who don't clean who object Grin seriously peeps, just clean your house this one time, then you can go back to living in a mess.

Candymay · 06/09/2023 11:18

I wouldn’t like home visits at all. I think it’s really unfair on the family and the child in particular. Too intrusive. And not everyone lives in a lovely house. Teachers would judge. They would have an impression in their mind about home life and that affects their expectations of the child. You can say what you like about not judging but it’s not how humans work. The child should be seen with the potential they bring and treated equally. You know how your child’s name matters? Same with your house.

MrsBigTed · 06/09/2023 11:18

DS's school have the equivalent meeting in school, unless you request a home visit instead (eg if its easier for you).

The meeting itself was useful for us, to get to know the teachers a little and for us to share a bit about DS. I wouldn't have any objection to the teacher visiting our home, it's a pretty ordinary house. I do like the idea that teachers are part of our children's lives, and that teachers / school / learning aren't confined to the school building.

IhearyouClemFandango · 06/09/2023 11:18

Uh huh. Sounds like you have been doing a little brainwashing of your 11 yr old tbh.

Home visits are fine. Can be nice for kids to meet their teacher somewhere familiar and safe.

Andanotherone01 · 06/09/2023 11:20

my autistic 11 year old who heard all of this too. He piped up and said, “ Do you know what mum? The whole school system is broken and needs to be changed.” He went on to inform me that school has barely changed since it started, and that originally it was to train up factory workers!
Adding this to my list of things that have never happened.

Candymay · 06/09/2023 11:22

Some 11 year olds are perfectly able to think for themselves and make good conversations. Very interesting about the factory workers.

Seashellies · 06/09/2023 11:22

Candymay · 06/09/2023 11:18

I wouldn’t like home visits at all. I think it’s really unfair on the family and the child in particular. Too intrusive. And not everyone lives in a lovely house. Teachers would judge. They would have an impression in their mind about home life and that affects their expectations of the child. You can say what you like about not judging but it’s not how humans work. The child should be seen with the potential they bring and treated equally. You know how your child’s name matters? Same with your house.

Home visits are invariably offered if they aren't in a childcare setting and the parent declines meeting at the school etc. Why should the child miss out on meeting their new teacher at what can be a bit of a scary time for them? Nowadays there are almost always alternatives to home visits, in fact they're usually done to make life easier for the parent rather than vice versa. I do think though of course home life impacts children so it isn't a bad thing if teachers know.

LadyBitsnBobs · 06/09/2023 11:23

It seems a waste of time someone traipsing to see me. But I want teachers in homes where men like that exist. Someone needs a weather eye on the homelife of kids with volatile abusive controlling parents. And social services can’t do it so sadly down to schools. I wish there was a better way as schools have enough to do. Poor kid.

Original poster
Auk1 · 06/09/2023 11:23

It hasn't changed that much. Homework was made to be a punishment-still feels like one for lots of kids. How rude of you to call my autistic son ignorant! He's actually highly intelligent and ready to do his GCSE’s in maths and English. He is also a coding genius. School was actually holding him back!
As for teacher visits being finished this year-not true. My niece is having a visit this week.

OP posts:
DontMakeMeShushYou · 06/09/2023 11:24

Auk1 · 06/09/2023 11:12

My question is what do people think about home visits?

A non-compulsory opportunity for a young child to meet their teacher for the first time in a setting (their own home) where they are likely to feel most comfortable?

What an appalling idea! Anyone would think teachers want to make young children starting school feel more comfortable. Let's ban it at once.

PuttingDownRoots · 06/09/2023 11:25

My thoughts...
-11yo home schooled child probably isn't the best informed about the school system. But guessing with autism mentioned it might not be the best place for him anyway.

  • your neighbour is an aggressive bully and more likely be on drugs ranting like that than the teacher
  • the school is trying to do whats best and there would have to be serious problems with your home like dog faeces everywhere for them to be think anything of it.
mrsed1987 · 06/09/2023 11:26

We have a home visit on Friday. The school were clear that they would only be visiting the children at nursery if SEN or a few kids in one nursery. My son does not have SEN and is the only one from his nursery.

I thought it would be nice for my son to meet his teacher properly before his first day and for us all to ask any questions.

I draw my own conclusions from people not wanting them, but maybe my view is warped as I am a SW lol.

SamPoodle123 · 06/09/2023 11:29

I find it odd that someone would not welcome their new teacher to the house for a home visit. It is beneficial for everyone involved, esp the dc. It allows the dc and parents to meet and get to know the teacher. It helps the dc feel comfortable and more settled for the first day. It helps the teacher get to know the dc and understand what kind of environment they live in. And it allows the parents to ask any questions they have, as its impossible during drop off when there are so many people around and it is too busy. Your neighbor sounds like an iditiot.

Seashellies · 06/09/2023 11:29

Auk1 · 06/09/2023 11:23

It hasn't changed that much. Homework was made to be a punishment-still feels like one for lots of kids. How rude of you to call my autistic son ignorant! He's actually highly intelligent and ready to do his GCSE’s in maths and English. He is also a coding genius. School was actually holding him back!
As for teacher visits being finished this year-not true. My niece is having a visit this week.

I didn't say he wasn't intelligent, I'm sure he is. I also didn't criticise you for home schooling at all did I so not sure why you're getting defensive. Schools did undergo a transformation post industrial revolution to prepare children for this new industrial work, but school isn't recognisable now compared to then. They're outliers as Schools are returning this week and schools in other nations have already done so. They could feasibly request to have it in school and it wouldn't be an issue. You seem very against the school system rather than recognising it's not right for all children but for many its fine. If you view homework as a punishment then I think that says a lot!

Original poster
Auk1 · 06/09/2023 11:32

What???!!! Brainwashing my child!!

He was told this by a teaching assistant when he was at school!

I haven’t actually given my own opinion on home visits. They didn't happen when my son started school. Personally i wouldn't of had a problem with them.

OP posts:
Taketurn · 06/09/2023 11:33

I'm new to the school system. Why would a home visit by a teacher be necessary? If they have concerns for a child or something?

Original poster
Auk1 · 06/09/2023 11:43

I wasn't being defensive at all regarding my sons home ed. It was your calling my son ignorant that annoyed me.
i haven't given my opinion on the school system, and i do understand that there have been changes since then. My eldest is very happy at school and that's great! Also, i was only stating a fact about what homework used to. What do i think personally? Some kids are fine with it, which clearly will benefit them, but some kids really do struggle with it. That is all.

OP posts:
Goldbar · 06/09/2023 11:50

I found your post confusing. There appear to be 3 separate issues:

i) Your neighbour - does he behave like this often? If so, suggests anger management issues/potentially DA. I'd keep an eye out in case his partner/ the kids are at risk personally.

ii) Teacher home visits - not a fan personally. I think they're intrusive. I also think their usefulness is outweighed by teachers' tendency to stereotype children and their capabilities by their backgrounds. I'm sure teachers don't mean to but they're only human and prone to the same implicit biases as the rest of us.

iii) School vs home education. Your DC sounds like a lot of 11yos... he has a view and is convinced that his view is correct. Nothing wrong with that... the certainty of youth and all that! I'm sure most 11yos would prefer not to go to school and for some (presumably including your DS, since you've made this decision on his behalf) this might be the right course of action. As parents, we make these decisions on behalf of our children because they lack the life experience to appreciate the implications of certain choices. However much people criticise schools though (and I'm not a fan of the unnecessarily punitive approach currently popular in many secondary schools), I doubt you'd find a headteacher in the country who views their roll as being to turn out factory fodder, not least because there aren't all that many factories left due to Britain's industrial decline 😂. I presume you've covered Britain's economic history in your lessons with your son?

DaphneduM · 06/09/2023 11:58

I think it's an excellent idea. In fact our grandchild will be having a home visit from his new teacher this week. I don't understand why it would be a problem to anyone - it helps the child meet their teacher in their relaxed, home setting. If there are actually concerns flagged up because of what the teacher sees during this visit then surely that's a good thing too?

When I became a single mum and moved to a different area, the new Health Visitor was round pretty promptly. Safeguarding of chlldren is paramount, in my opinion. Education and social services get enough of a bad rap for doing extremely difficult jobs imo.

MrsMitford3 · 06/09/2023 12:00

Andanotherone01 · 06/09/2023 11:20

my autistic 11 year old who heard all of this too. He piped up and said, “ Do you know what mum? The whole school system is broken and needs to be changed.” He went on to inform me that school has barely changed since it started, and that originally it was to train up factory workers!
Adding this to my list of things that have never happened.

And then they all clapped?

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