Guidelines for Home Visits
Home visits can be invaluable in involving
parents in their child's education and therefore in raising achievement.
Visits may be made for a variety of reasons:
Visits taking place before a child's entry to nursery
can be particularly helpful in developing links with the nursery and in
involving parents in their child's education.
Visits can be made to inform parents both of
their child's progress and also of ways of supporting the child's learning at
home.
Visits can also be made for a variety of other
reasons; some of which are sensitive and confidential.
The following guidelines are important for all
visits, but should be particularly noted when going on a visit that may be
sensitive.
Before
the visit
Be familiar with the Nursery's policy and
procedures for home visits
NOTE: ALL HOME VISITS MUST BE AUTHORISED BY THE
NURSERY MANAGER OR OTHER SENIOR STAFF OF THE NURSERY.
Be clear about the purpose of the visit. Make
sure that a home visit is really necessary. (Is it possible, and perhaps more
practical, to arrange for parents to come into the Nursery?)
Make a written record of the purpose of the
visit and the staff members involved.
An appropriate person must accompany you to
any home visit. Clarify each person's role to the parents.
Make sure you are well informed about the
subject of the visit. Collect the home visiting folder and any other necessary
documentation. Check the home visiting policy
Consider who you need to see, eg one or both parents, with or without the child. Make
sure you are well informed about the family and are aware of personal
circumstances, languages spoken, religion etc.
Make an appointment to establish a time
convenient to the family and to ensure that everyone you want to see will be
present. Make a phone call, or send a letter. (Home visits for new children
will be arranged during the show around they are usually at 4pm and last about
30 mins)
During
the visit
Introduce yourself, have identification
available and explain again the purpose of the visit.
Assure parents that you will treat anything
they tell you sensitively and will only tell the Nursery Manager or other
appropriate staff. Explain that you may need to take notes during the meeting.
Do not promise not to relay information to the nursery. Remember that under the
Child Protection Procedures you must report disclosures or suspicions to the
Nursery Manager
Be sensitive to the culture, religion etc of
the home.
Be professional. Give professional advice and
information rather than personal opinions. Be sympathetic, but remain neutral.
Don't get personally involved. Be discrete and don't get caught up in gossip
about the Nursery, staff or other families. Be assertive about the direction of
the conversation.
If you don't know the answer to a question say
so, and say that you will refer back to the Nursery or other agencies for
further information, or refer the parents directly to other agencies..
Don't stay too long. Keep to the point.
After the visit
Report back to the Nursery. Give written
feedback to the appropriate staff in line with school policy.
At Nursery, do not discuss individual home
visits in the staff room or with staff who are not involved with those
particular children (ie be professional, do not
gossip at school or tell other families what you have learnt or been told on a
visit)
Reports
It is essential that staff bring back any paper
work to the nursery, or that you take that information into your house. (Do not
leave it in your car) do not share this information with family or friends.
When staff make home visits they often gather
confidential information, such as marital difficulties, alcohol abuse,
financial information, etc.; this information should be handled very carefully.
Confidential material must be stored appropriately (see data protection
policy). Any confidential information must be reported, either verbally or in
writing, to the Nursery Manager. The Nursery Manager alone should keep any
confidential written reports.
Making
Safe Home Visits
ALWAYS make sure the Nursery knows where you
are going/how long you expect to be. If your visit takes longer than expected
ring the Nursery
ALWAYS log your visit on the back of the
registers.
ALWAYS report back in, either in person or by
phone 01803 316959
ALWAYS carry identification.
Whenever possible make an appointment and know
who you will be meeting.
THINK about your own safety. Don't make a
visit on your own if you are worried about your safety. Don't go into a home if
you feel insecure.
YOUR SAFETY IS IMPORTANT - DON'T TAKE RISKS! SEE
INDIVIDUAL RISK ASSESMENT FORM.
© 2010
Home visiting form
To be completed by the parents at the show
around:
Place of
home visit and name of parents:
Any notes or special requirements (e.g. do you
have pets, are there any problems with access to the house, are there any other
professional involved with the family):
Who will be at the home?
Are there any cultural or religious or any other
personal circumstances we need to be aware of?
.
Signed by parents
..
Date
.
To be completed by the person carrying out the
home visit
Name of persons carrying out home
visit
..
Purpose of home visit
Time out:
..
Time reported back
.
Do you have a key word between yourselves that
lets each other no you are feeling uncomfortable and that you want to leave?,
have you informed the nursery of this word.
Yes/ no
What is this word
.. This will
alert the staff at the nursery to call the police.
Have you returned all documentation?
Yes/no
Any feedback?
.