Rationale
It is managements and staff’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with this policy to ensure the safety and well-being of each other and families.
Statement
At Machrie Nursery we aim to visit each new family at their home to introduce staff and review the application in case there have been changes. It is intended to welcome and begin to build positive relationships with the child and their family.
Key Establishment Procedure
Home visits are not unannounced. Management and the parent/carer will arrange and confirm date and time of visit.
A copy of the visit schedule is left in the nursery containing names, addresses and visiting times to keep track of staff’s whereabouts.
2 members of staff to go on each visit, one member of management and the child’s key worker. Home visits should not be carried out alone.
Both members of staff on the home visit should carry a mobile phone in case of an emergency or separation.
Staff should not take handbags and purses on home visits.
Staff should park in a designated space open to public view.
If there are pets in the home, they should be locked in another room before staff enter
Staff should become aware of their surroundings, know where the nearest exit is and ensure the door of the room is always visible and accessible.
If staff are running over visit times or will arrive back to the nursery late, they should telephone the nursery to let them know.
Management will fill in appropriate paperwork, and the key worker should interact with the child.
Staff should not accept tea, coffee or food if offered.
If staff feel they are not safe during the visit at any point they should leave immediately and return to the nursery
Roles and Responsibilities
Head of Establishment
To ensure the policy is kept up to date, known and available to staff.
Child Development Officers
To ensure all staff members read, understand and adhere the policy.
Key Documents
GCC Education services – lone working protocol guidance
This policy was written in:
January 2026
Date for review:
This policy was reviewed in:
Date for review: