Teacher home visits

If your child is starting school in September, going into reception class, it's very likely that you will be offered a home visit with the teachers at the end of the summer term, or the very beginning of the autumn term. I want to explain what they’re for and why they do them. I was a reception teacher for a number of years and we did home visits. I loved meeting the children in their own home. Such a relaxed way to get to know them.

My first thing I want to tell you is not to worry. 

The number one reason for doing home visits is to help your child with the transition to school. If they meet their new teacher in their own home it helps to start the relationship. It is good practise to do this, and it works. When I used to teach reception, every year as the children came in on their first day they would look at me and say “You came to my house.” It helps the child if they've met their teacher in their own environment.

The second reason is for you, so you get a chance to talk to your child's new teacher in private. You can ask any questions. You'll also have the time to tell your child's teacher about your child, about what they need about what they're like so that they can be ready for them. Reception class teachers have a lot of love for their class and they want to get to know your child so they can support them. 

During the home visit it is very likely that the teacher will bring some information about the first day/week. She may run through some questions to get to know your child, and you can add any information about them, and what they need. If your child has any specific needs you can ask for extra meetings, and/or a plan.

The teacher may have a small activity to do with the child or to share a book with them, and again that’s just to build the relationship. They're not testing you; they're not testing your child. They are interacting with an activity because it's a really good practice that builds trust. 

They will not care if there are toys around: they'll be delighted. They will not worry if it's messy and there's washing piled up or anything like that. They won’t care if you're doing building work. They should be totally non-judgemental. 

They are coming to learn from you, the expert in your child, not to judge you. Welcome them as equals to you. You are expanding the team of people who care for your little one. Treat it as an opportunity for your child to get to know their teacher, and for you to build your relationship with them too. 

The aim for everyone is to help that transition, to start the relationship, to get to know each other, so your child can have a positive start to school.

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