One of the major changes that has come from our studying for the E100 (see below) is how we view transitions. Focusing on the learning and development of one child's transition to the setting was a reflective exercise for the course, and it prompted us to organise home visits.
We have since carried out two home visits and both have been beneficial. Seeing children in their own home has helped us get to know both the individual child and their families more easily and quickly. Through the visits, we have been able to gather general information, about the child's favourite toys, pets, siblings and so on, and vital information about, say, the child's health. One visit was particularly valuable as the child has several severe allergies. The visits have also provided information on the extent to which the family has a wide supportive network, which can be a crucial factor in children's home life.
OPTIONAL
Home visits are optional. The challenge is assuring parents that the aim of the visit is not to check out their homes but simply to see their child in a relaxed atmosphere. As we offer sessional care, we are able to carry out home visits with two practitioners in the afternoons. We found it useful to bring with us a toy from the setting and an example of a learning journal, with photos of the many experiences the setting offers.
The two families that we visited at home have since had their initial visit to the setting, which has been equally successful and much more relaxed than normal. Both parents and children seemed calmer when they first entered the setting. Seeing familiar faces is an advantage that works both ways - we felt a lot more comfortable with the new parents because we had already started to establish a partnership with them during the visit. A lot of the common questions new parents ask had already been answered at the visit - for example: My child is in nappies, is that a problem? Can my child bring their comfort toy or blanket? So, the new parents had more time to look around the setting instead of trying to remember to ask these questions.
MORE INFORMATION
'The early years: developing practice' (E100) is an Open University Level 1 course exploring how children aged three to seven develop and learn, and the principles and values underpinning the early years curriculum. See: www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/e100.htm