school home visit letter template

The Public School Teacher

Teach. learn. have fun, download: home visitation files.

Posted By: Teacher March 1, 2020

Have you ever had a student who has been absent for consecutive days or weeks? It becomes a problem to us as teachers, right? And the responsibility is thrown back to us and we are challenged to do something about it. One of the solutions that the Department of Education has indicated to be effective in making students come back to school is the conduct of Home Visitation. That is basically making us teachers visit our students in their homes. By home visitation, we get to know more of our students and their families on a more personal level.  We are able to connect and converse with the families, especially those who don’t usually visit the school. We are able to see for ourselves the situation our students are at. By this, we get to understand more and develop empathy towards our students.

There are many ways to conduct home visitation but as a starter, there are several forms which are readily available that we can use. I wrote a sample letter to the principal asking for the permission of the home visitation. I also found two home visitation forms online. For the purpose of easy access, I placed the forms on one folder which you can download on the link below.

I hope this helps.  Happy teaching!

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Home Visitation Files

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thank you so much.it helps a lot. keep going!

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Home Visits: Reaching Beyond the Classroom

Get to know your students and strengthen the home-school partnership with these seven tips for reaching out to parents and meeting families.

As a teacher at a small Oakland, California public high school called Life Academy , where each teacher also holds a mixed-grade level advisory class of about 20 students, I began conducting home visits for my advisees as a way to clarify my relationship to them as more than a teacher. After all, we would be together for the next four years. I would be their advocate when they struggled in other classes, the one who would write their letters of recommendation, announce them at graduation, and ask them about their day, every day. Part of this relationship was an initial visit to each student's home.

Seeking Home-School Partnership

To make home visits manageable, I only visited the homes of the four to five ninth graders who were new to my advisory class. The first year I did this, there was a lot of pushback from students who weren't used to having a teacher visit their home, but in the second year, the tenth graders were able to sell the idea for me. They'd say, "Yeah, she came to our house, too. It was cool!"

Once there was buy-in from the class, the home visits were relatively easy to set up. The student would check with their parent and find a good time for me to stop by. Often the parents were relieved to hear that they didn't have to get off work early or find time to come to me. In fact, some of my students' parents began to request home visits, and I happily obliged. I always gave myself a full hour, but rarely needed it. I visited homes after school, in the evening, or on the weekend, whatever was best for the family. While I've heard the advice to conduct home visits with a partner teacher, I personally felt that going alone made it more comfortable for the family.

One time, when I was visiting the home of soccer star Angela, her mom had prepared a full meal for me, and the visit lasted well into the evening when she invited me into the back yard to pick lemons for my own family. After that visit, despite the language gap (I am proficient but not fluent in Spanish), whenever I saw Angela's mom at school events or at on-campus parent conferences, it was more like seeing an old friend. We were comfortable with each other. She felt accepted by me, and I felt respected by her. We were partners in her daughter's education.

Of course, it didn't always go so idyllically. Once I visited the home of Payton, whose mom was volatile and even hostile in meetings. I had met her several times before the home visit because Payton was in trouble at school early and often. At his house, I was formally welcomed but felt out of place as we sat in the living room and his numerous brothers clamored for his mother's attention. His mom told me about how three of Payton’s male role models had been killed in the last few years. I was glad to have had a glimpse at his home life, even though its reality made me feel more powerless than before. I imagined that as out of place as I felt in his mother's home, she must also feel the same way when visiting the school. If nothing else, the visit allowed me to empathize more clearly with Payton and his family.

The Power of a Visit

Whenever I coach new teachers, I encourage them to visit the homes of students as early as possible. It's just about the quickest way to understand a student better. Home visits should also be considered when a student is new to a school due to a transfer. While I made it a personal policy to visit the homes of all my ninth grade advisees, I also recognized that the impact of home visits could have been multiplied had it been a school-wide practice. Can you imagine if every ninth grader got a visit from his or her advisor, and if each family felt personally welcomed to the school? At my school, we've made time for on-campus parent conferences by modifying our schedules, but we haven't yet prioritized home visits. I think meeting parents and guardians where they are most comfortable could make a big difference. It certainly did for Louise Rocha-McCarthy and Annie Huynh .

In my own experience, visiting my student Diego at his house when he had been out of school for several weeks is what got him to come back to school, albeit briefly. I saw the power of home visits again this year when one of our most challenging students had missed several weeks of school. An email chain revealed that no one had been able to reach the family to find out why he had been away. Students were starting to ask where he was and why none of his teachers knew the answer. That very afternoon, three of his after-school mentors went together to his home and by the next day he was back in class. While the visit clearly had a positive impact on the young man, this impact rippled throughout school, too. Students saw without a doubt that the adults at school, not just classroom teachers, cared for even the most troubled student, and that being absent didn’t mean being invisible.

7 Suggestions for Visiting

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your home visit:

• Make home visits a part of your classroom or school culture so that no one feels singled out.
• Systematize who gets home visits to keep the practice manageable for you.
• Set aside strategic times during the year for home visits.
• Be flexible about when you do a home visit. Let the parent or guardian decide the date and time.
• Be prepared to share one concrete example of a way that you've seen the student shine.
• Don't discuss grades or behavior. This is a time for getting to know the family. Ask them open-ended questions. Ask your student to show you where they do their homework.
• Thank the family for allowing you in to their home.

Have you visited your students at home? Please share your experiences in the comments below.

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Conquering Teacher Home Visits with Three Simple Questions

It’s been three years since I’ve started my second stint in the classroom and without a doubt my favorite new practice as a teacher is home visits. Home visits create an opportunity for home-school collaboration that is hard to find any other way.

Home visits aren’t a new practice, but they’re gaining more attention , and for good reason. It’s hard to list all the benefits, but to name a few:

• They show families you care and are willing to go the extra mile.
• They provide a chance to learn more about the interests, family values and culture of the students in your classroom.
• They provide a chance for you to share your vision and goals as a teacher .

I almost always walk away from a home visit feeling like I’ve gotten to know something about a student I might never have learned otherwise. Also I end up feeling like I’ve entered into a partnership with that student’s family, much stronger than anything I’ve created through phone calls or even parent-teacher conferences.

Of course home visits aren’t easy. They’re time consuming, and if you do them once the school year has already started it’s difficult to find the time and energy. And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t have any kids of my own yet! Additionally, some families are wary of inviting teachers into their homes, especially if it’s not a common school or district practice.

To manage these challenges, there’s a few practices I’ve taken on. First, I set clear boundaries for myself. In my first year of home visits I did them any day of the week, and they often would last an hour per visit on average. To safeguard my time better this year, I’ve let families know I’m available Monday to Thursday and to expect a 30 minute visit.

To help families understand the purpose of home visits — I’m not coming as a social worker or in any evaluative capacity — I send a letter home and discuss them early and often during in-person interactions over the first days of school. I also offer to meet families at other locations — the library, a restaurant or school — if they prefer. I want home visits to show families that they don’t have to come to school to work with me, that communication and cooperation are a two way street. But meeting wherever they prefer is more important than inadvertently sending the wrong message by visiting them at their home. Each year there are still some families who aren’t willing or able to schedule a home visit, but overall I’ve found clarifying the goal of home visits has helped a great deal.

Schools and districts could better support home visits through policies that provided extra time (via half-days perhaps) or compensation for teachers to complete them. Speaking as someone who does home visits voluntarily however, there are still ways to make them more manageable. But given the benefits of home visits, I highly encourage you taking them on even if your school or district isn’t giving you the time or money to do so.

If you’re going to try home visits and successfully keep within a 30 minute conversation, it helps to have a little script. Meeting in a more personal space — whether it’s at home or in a restaurant — can sometimes lead to an extended discussion. Three guiding questions can help focus your conversation, and make sure you get the most out of your time.

1. What are your hopes and dreams for your child this year? 

You may find this language cheesy, but I choose this language in an effort to convey the awesome responsibility I feel as a teacher of someone’s child. I don’t have any children of my own yet, but I can imagine the deep sense of investment families have in their children’s future. I want to show respect for those hopes and dreams and I want families to know that their hopes and dreams are as important, if not more so, than my academic goals for their child.

2. You are your child’s first teacher. What can you tell me that will help me to teach them best?

Again, I seek to show respect, even deference, to the expertise of my student’s family. I may know how to lead a guided reading group or the best way to use manipulatives during math, but only a family member can share a valuable fact like a child’s love of dance, or the way they shut down if they’re feeling embarrassed. This question is intentionally broad and open-ended, so I can learn about student’s interests, academic strengths and weaknesses, learning style and so much more.

3. Do you have any special interests or skills you’d like to share with the class?

This final question I include as an invitation. There are many types of knowledge valued in my classroom. It is my responsibility to impart teach to the standards through the methods I feel comfortable and skilled in. But inviting families offers a way to bring in content outside of our curriculum or bring a fresh perspective to what we’re already planning to cover. If I can bring in a family member to lead an art activity or to help students make a personal connection to a social studies lesson, then my classroom will truly feel like a community.

Once I’ve learned a family’s unique perspective on their child and their own skills or interests, I take some time to share my own philosophy on teaching and learning. Sometimes this almost feels unnecessary, because my questions have hopefully shown that first and foremost, I try to create a classroom where student’s identities and cultures are fully seen and valued. However, it is still important to share something about myself as a way of repaying what families have shared with me.

I won’t tell you that home visits are easy. Taking the time to schedule meetings with my student’s families in the midst of finding my back-to-school rhythm can often be exhausting. But the energy it takes to make home visits happen comes back ten-fold in a feeling of accomplishment and excitement I receive when I leave a student’s home having learned something powerful about who they are beyond what I can see on my own.

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Ruben Abrahams Brosbe

Ruben Brosbe is a former elementary school teacher. He currently facilitates professional learning... More by Ruben Abrahams Brosbe

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I am wanting to conduct home visits this year and found this article very helpful! Do you have a standard letter you send home to parents to sign up for a time to meet with you? If so, would you mind sharing?

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Best Interest of the Child Letter Example: Free & Effective

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of writing an effective Best Interest of the Child letter, share a customizable template, and offer tips from my personal experience.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the Purpose: A Best Interest of the Child letter aims to present a comprehensive view of the child’s needs, preferences, and overall welfare to assist the court in making an informed decision.
• Know the Elements: Essential elements include the child’s health, safety, education, emotional well-being, and the parent-child relationship.
• Be Objective and Detailed: Provide specific examples and evidence to support your claims about what’s best for the child.
• Use a Structured Format: Follow a clear format to ensure your letter is coherent and persuasive.
• Personalize Your Letter: Tailor your letter to the child’s unique circumstances; no one-size-fits-all template works for every situation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Best Interest of the Child Letter

Step 1: understand the purpose.

The first step is to comprehend the letter’s objective fully. It’s not about proving one parent superior to the other but about highlighting what arrangements would best support the child’s development and happiness.

Step 2: Gather Information

Collect all necessary information about the child’s health, education, social life, and emotional bonds with each parent. This data forms the backbone of your letter.

Step 3: Outline the Letter

Organize your thoughts and structure the letter into sections. Typically, it includes an introduction, body paragraphs detailing the child’s needs, and a conclusion summarizing your recommendations.

Step 4: Write the Introduction

Start with a brief introduction about yourself and your relationship to the child. Clearly state the letter’s purpose without delving into too much detail.

Step 5: Detail the Child’s Needs

In separate paragraphs, elaborate on various aspects of the child’s life:

• Health and Safety: Discuss the child’s physical and mental health needs, including any special medical or psychological requirements.
• Education: Describe the child’s educational environment and learning needs.
• Emotional Well-Being: Talk about the child’s emotional health, including stability and support systems.
• Parent-Child Relationship: Highlight the nature and quality of the child’s relationship with each parent.

Step 6: Provide Evidence

Support your observations with concrete examples. If you mention that one parent has a stronger emotional bond with the child, provide specific instances that illustrate this point.

Step 7: Conclude with Recommendations

Sum up your insights and suggest what you believe is in the child’s best interest regarding custody or living arrangements.

Step 8: Review and Edit

Ensure your letter is clear, concise, and free of errors. It should convey your message powerfully and succinctly.

Template for a Best Interest of the Child Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Date]

[Judge’s Name] [Court’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Re: Best Interest of [Child’s Name]

Dear [Judge’s Name],

I am writing to express my insights regarding the best interests of [Child’s Name], whom I have known for [duration] in my capacity as [your relationship to the child].

My intent is to provide a comprehensive view of [Child’s Name]’s needs and welfare to assist the court in making an informed decision.

[Body Paragraphs detailing the child’s Health and Safety, Education, Emotional Well-Being, and Parent-Child Relationship, supported by specific examples.]

In conclusion, after considering all aspects of [Child’s Name]’s life and well-being, I believe that [your recommendation]. I am confident that this arrangement will best serve [Child’s Name]’s interests and support [his/her] overall development and happiness.

Thank you for considering my perspective in this important matter.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Tips from Personal Experience

• Stay Neutral: Your primary focus is the child’s well-being, not the merits or faults of the parents.
• Be Specific: General statements are less impactful than detailed examples.
• Maintain Professionalism: Regardless of personal feelings, your letter should be respectful and objective.
• Seek Feedback: Before submitting, have someone else review your letter to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

In my experience, a well-crafted Best Interest of the Child letter can significantly influence the court’s understanding and decisions.

By following these steps and utilizing the template, you can create a persuasive and thoughtful letter that truly represents the child’s best interests.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences related to writing a Best Interest of the Child letter. Please share your comments below, and let’s discuss how we can make a positive impact on children’s lives through our words and actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How Do I Write a Child Visitation Letter to My Ex-Partner?

Answer: Writing a child visitation letter requires a delicate balance of being clear about your intentions while remaining respectful. Start by addressing your ex-partner cordially. 

Clearly state your request for visitation, including specific dates and times. It’s also helpful to propose a schedule or plan. Remember to focus on the best interests of your child and maintain a cooperative tone. 

In my experience, keeping the letter concise yet informative has helped facilitate a smoother dialogue.

Q: What Should I Include in a Child Visitation Letter?

Answer: In your child visitation letter, include key details like the proposed visitation dates, times, and duration. Specify any special considerations, like birthdays or holidays. 

Also, mention the location of the visitation and who will be responsible for transportation. 

I found it effective to also briefly explain how this visitation benefits your child, as it underscores the child’s welfare as a priority.

Q: How Can I Make My Child Visitation Letter Legally Binding?

Answer: To make a child visitation letter legally binding, it’s essential to follow legal procedures. After drafting the letter, consult a family law attorney to review it.

They can ensure it aligns with custody agreements and state laws. Once the letter is finalized, both parties should sign it in the presence of a notary. 

In my case, getting legal advice was crucial in ensuring the agreement was enforceable.

Q: How Should I Handle a Refusal of My Visitation Request?

Answer: If your ex-partner refuses your visitation request, stay calm and try to understand their concerns. Communicate openly and see if a compromise can be reached.

If you have a legal visitation agreement and they still refuse, you may need to seek legal advice. 

When I faced a refusal, I found that involving a mediator helped us reach an amicable solution without escalating the situation.

Q: Can I Modify a Child Visitation Agreement?

Answer: Yes, child visitation agreements can be modified, but it usually requires mutual agreement or a court order.

If both parties agree to the changes, a new agreement can be drafted and signed. If not, you may need to file a petition with the court to request a modification. 

My experience taught me that documenting any changes and getting them legally recognized is crucial to avoid future misunderstandings.

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Thank you for the insightful and practical guide on writing a child visitation letter; the step-by-step approach and provided template are extremely helpful for parents in this emotional process

Your comprehensive and empathetic guide on crafting child visitation letters, with its personal insights and clear template, is incredibly helpful for navigating this emotional process—thank you!

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https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/09/primary-school-offer-day-2023-everything-you-need-to-know/

Primary school offer day 2024: Everything you need to know

Parents of three and four-year-olds will soon find out what primary school has offered their child a place for the next academic year.  

The majority of pupils will be offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools, while most will be offered their top choice.   

Here, we explain everything you need to know about primary school offer day, from when you can expect to find out, to how to appeal a decision.  

When is primary school offer day and what time are school places released?   

Parents will find out which primary school has offered their child a place for September 2024 on  Tuesday 16 April.

The decision will be sent by the local council by either letter or email. Some councils allow parents to view their results through the admissions portal or system. Exactly what time the offers will be released varies by council.

How likely am I to get my first-choice primary school?  

We want parents to feel reassured when it comes to getting one of their top choice primary schools.

In 2023, 92.5% of families received an offer from their first choice of primary school and 98.3% received an offer from one of their top three choices.

At the same time, over 1 million additional school places have been created between May 2010 and May 2023, with many more in the pipeline.

What happens after I receive an offer of a school place?  

A parent or carer must formally accept the offer by the given deadline. This is usually set through the local authority’s admissions portal or system. You’ll receive details of next steps with the offer.  

Can I appeal a primary school placement decision?  

If you’re not offered your first-choice school, you can appeal the decision . However, even if you're appealing a decision, we recommend accepting the offer your child did receive so that they have a school place if the appeal is unsuccessful. Accepting another offer won’t affect your appeal or limit other options available to you.  

Parents or carers who want to appeal a decision should first contact the school’s admission authority, which is responsible for organising the appeal panel. Parents and carers can find their school’s admission authority by visiting their local council website:  Find your local council - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .  

The panel is independent and will look at the case presented by both the admission authority and the parent before coming to a decision.  

The decision of the appeal panel is binding – if the appeal is upheld, the admission authority must offer your child a place at the school.  

Admission authorities and appeal panels must comply with the statutory School Admission Appeals Code, which is available  here . Guidance for parents on the admission appeals process can also be found  here .  

How are primary school places decided?  

All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places. This criteria is set by the school or local council.  

While all state-funded schools must give top priority to admitting children who are in care or have been in care, admission criteria is  different for each school. They may choose to give priority to children:  

• who live close to the school  
• who have a brother or sister at the school already  
• from a particular religion (for faith schools)  
• who are eligible for the pupil premium   
• whose parent has worked at the school for two years or more  

Your  local council  can give you information about a school’s criteria.  

Why has my child not been offered a place at one of their preferred schools?  

Some schools will receive more applications than places it has available and unfortunately not every parent will be successful. Priority must be given to those who most closely meet the school’s specific admission arrangements.  

If the local authority is unable to offer a place at one of the parents’ preferred schools, it must offer a place at another school.  

In the unlikely event that a parent does not receive an offer of a place on 17 April, parents should contact their local authority for further advice.  

Can I join a waiting list for my top-choice primary school?  

You can add your child’s name to the waiting list for any school that you’ve applied for. You should still accept the offer you received and this won’t affect where you stand in the waiting list.  

Schools must keep a waiting list for at least one term. The waiting list will be ordered by the school’s oversubscription criteria.   

In some areas, your child will be automatically added to the waiting lists of the schools you ranked more highly. In others, you must ask to be put on the waiting list. Check the school admissions section of your local authority website to find out how it works in your area.  

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