Homework

As a school, we are committed to using academic research to inform our decision making. Education is ever-changing as we learn more about how children learn and the best practices for teaching and learning. We strive to follow the latest research and this policy will be reviewed annually to ensure we are always following best practice.
• The evidence on the value of homework at primary schools is at best equivocal. Nevertheless, the Education Endowment Foundations summary of research suggests that where short focussed tasks are provided, these are likely to be more effective.
• Evidence from National Reading Programmes suggests that pupils make most progress when reading for at least 25 minutes a day. Part of this reading time is provided in school, but we also encourage reading at home every day to support this time.
• Where there is evidence of positive impact for homework, it is often linked to increased parental engagement. Providing tasks which are accessible for families, and link directly to the taught curriculum for the pupil can be effective in building links between school and home, which has deeper benefits for pupils’ learning.
• Using homework time as a chance to ‘pre-teach’ can give children enormous confidence before starting the lesson the following day(s).

EYFS (Reception)

• Daily reading (minimum 10 mins) - please sign the reading record
• Daily revision of phonemes /sounds and key words taught

Year 1 and 2 

• Daily Reading (minimum 10 mins) – please sign the reading record
• Daily Spelling Practise
• Daily Number work using Numbots, Times Table Rockstars, Hit the Button or similar/paper version
• Numbots Task set once a week

 

Year 3 and 4

• Daily Reading (10-30 mins) – please sign the reading record
• Daily Spelling Practise (can include use of Spelling Shed)
• Daily Number work using Times Table Rockstars, Hit the Button or similar/paper version

Year 5 and 6

• Daily Reading (10-30 mins) – please sign the reading record
• Daily Spelling Practise (can include use of Spelling Shed)
• Daily Number work using Times Table Rockstars, Hit the Button or similar/paper version

How to Help at Home

We ask parents to encourage their child to complete the homework tasks that are set. We invite them to help their children as and when they feel it to be necessary, to provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best. Parents can support their child by providing a good working space at home, by enabling their child to visit the library regularly, and by discussing the work that their child is doing.

Tips to help make homework easier:

• Do find a quiet, comfortable place at home to use as a homework area. It needs a flat surface, a good light source, have a comfortable temperature and the right equipment e.g. pens, pencils, ruler, scissors, glue
• Do be aware of the school teaching methods, e.g. in long division – look out for the regular parent information sessions run in school, plus our Mathematics and English web pages offer information on the methods we use in school and the key skills children are learning in each class
• Don’t teach your child methods you used at school as this can be confusing for them
• Do allow your child to have something nutritional to eat and drink before starting on homework
• Do discuss any homework tasks with your child and how it connects with what they are studying in class
• Do turn off the TV and move distractions away – but you could have music on if they find it helpful
• Don’t give your child the answer in order to get a task finished. Instead, explain how to look up information or find a word in a dictionary
• Don’t ask your child to do homework when they are tired – choose a time when they can focus and not be rushed
• Don’t let homework become a chore. Keep it fun and make it a special time that you both look forward to.

Tips for helping your child to enjoy books:

• Encourage your child to pretend to ‘read’ a book before he or she can read words.
• Visit the library as often as possible – take out CDs and DVDs as well as books.
• Schedule a regular time for reading – perhaps when you get home from school or just before bed.
• Buy dual-language books if English isn’t your family’s first language – you can talk about books and stories, and develop a love for them, in any language.
• Look for books on topics that you know your child is interested in – maybe dragons, insects, cookery or a certain sport.
• Make sure that children’s books are easily accessible in different rooms around your house.

For more ideas on how to help your child at home with spelling and reading, including access to practice SATs papers, please visit our English page by clicking here.

Tips for helping your child to enjoy maths:

• Point out the different shapes to be found around your home
• Take your child shopping and talk about the quantities of anything you buy
• Let your child handle money and work out how much things cost and the change needed
• Look together for numbers on street signs and car registration plates
• Play word games when driving – see how many words you can find to describe a tree or a house that you pass

For more ideas on how to help your child at home with maths, please visit our Maths page by clicking here. On this page you can also access SATs practice papers and information about learning times tables.