Nursery home visits

[madmum]

My little one has started this term 5 mornings a week at a school nursery. They have sent a letter home sayijg that aspart of the early years framework they would like to visit the childs home and observe them in their natural enviroment. My question i guess is why is this not done prior to them starting nursery? I see no real benefits after he has spent 1 month in nursery and seems quiet settled. Also I think its a bit of an invasion of privacy to have someone going round our home and espically in our childrens bedrooms.

Has anyone else had this? Am I over reacting? will it look strange if I decline this home visit?

[Bellenden Belle]

I haven't experienced this firsthand but have a close friend who had the same experience in Hackney. She found the experience rather bemusing but it really was just a quick chat over a cup of tea.

I think it makes sense to have such a meeting after they've started nursery. It gives both sides a chance to have already got to know each other a little bit - and to actually be able to discuss how your child has settled in. It's also a good opportunity for you to ask any questions/ raise concerns in a more comfortable environment than when you are doing the pick up or drop off.

And if there are issues with some children, which are picked up in obervations by staff within those first few weeks then it provides a good opportunity for them to start addressing those issues, and maybe some of the root causes. That is unlikely to be the case in your home visit - but if everyone gets the same visit then there is less stigma and people won't feel as if they are being singled out.

Southwark, like Hackney, is a borough containing many families that need a little extra support. I think these initiatives should actually be applauded. Be friendly, have a nice chat, and be grateful that the nursery is taking a holistic approach to your child's development - much better than simply being a name on a register.

[Pickle]

We had a home visit by school nursery the week before starting. They don't look round your house (or at least our school don't!), it's more just a chance for the teachers to chat to you and your little one at home where they feel comfortable - in our case we sat in the kitchen while my daughter showed them her favourite books.

I agree it's a bit strange to do it a month after starting.

[Pickle]

Cross posted with BB. I guess your way of seeing it is sensible, almost like your first parent's evening, but in a more relaxed environment, so a whole different purpose to the home visit we had.

[Te]

Yes we too had a home visit the week before starting. It was lovely actually and no, they didn't look around the house. Just had a cup of tea and I filled in some paper work with one of the teachers whilst daughter played with the other one. As BB said, I am grateful that my child is not just a name on a register.

I wouldn't have minded the visit after term had started but I guess different topics would be discussed.