Homework Policy

Introduction

Homework is anything children do outside the normal school day that contributes to their learning, in response to guidance from the school. Homework encompasses a variety of activities set by teachers to support the children’s learning or instigated by parents or carers. For example, parents or carers who spend time reading stories to their children before bedtime are helping with homework.

Rationale for homework

Homework is an important part of a child’s education, and can add much to a child’s development and success at school.

At North Ealing we see homework as an important example of cooperation between teachers and parents/carers. One of the aims of our teaching is for children to develop as independent learners, and we believe that doing homework is one of the main ways in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning.

Homework plays a positive role in raising a child’s level of attainment. However, we also acknowledge the important role of play and free time in a child’s growth and development. While homework is important, it should not prevent children from taking part in the activities of various out-of-school clubs and of other organisations that play an important part in the lives of our pupils. We are well aware that children spend more time at home than at school, and we believe that they develop their interests and skills to the full only when parents/carers encourage them to make maximum use of the opportunities available outside school.

The aims and objectives of homework are to:

• help pupils develop the skills of an independent learner;

• promote cooperation between home and school in supporting each child’s learning;

• enable some aspects of the curriculum to be further explored independently;

• provide educational experiences not possible in school;

• consolidate and reinforce the learning done in school, and to allow children to practise skills taught in lessons

• help children develop good work habits for the future;

• enable pupils to make maximum progress in their academic and social development.

Types of Homework

produce a home learning letter to share what has and what will be taught in class. This contains suggested ideas for activities which aim to support the child’s learning. In addition, in reception, each child reads for ten minutes a day to an adult and completes a weekly phonics activity. In nursery, the children are encouraged to write a weekly response in their reading journey.

In Key Stage 1

we ask parents to support their child through home learning. This includes reading daily for ten minutes to an adult. (In addition, we encourage parents to read to their child on a daily basis.) Phonics based reading activities are also sent home weekly along with a list of spellings to learn.

In addition, in year 1, a practical maths task or a writing task will also be set every week. Whilst in year 2, children will be assigned a weekly My maths task.

In Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4), we continue to give children the sort of homework activities outlined for Key Stage 1, including reading daily for fifteen minutes to an adult . Children are also expected to make two entries each week in their reading record book: summarising a section of the book, making predictions, discussing characters or writing about their opinion of the book. Spellings are also set weekly. Maths homework usually consists of My maths tasks, or Times Table Rock Star tasks in year 4.

Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6)

In Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6), children should continue to read daily for twenty minutes, ideally to an adult. They should also be making two entries per week in their reading record book: summarising a section of the book, making predictions, discussing characters or writing about their opinion of the book. Spellings are also set weekly. Maths homework usually consists of My maths tasks, or a revision task in year 6 in preparation for SATs.

Practical activities such as weighing cooking ingredients, handling real money and familiarising children with measures are also of great value.

Weekly spelling tasks will also be set on Google Classroom alongside competitions and other whole school activities. All children should have their login details for their classroom. Any issues must be raised with the class teacher.

Feedback on homework

Homework is always acknowledged and feedback provided if necessary: for example, if a child needs some guidance on what to write in their reading record.

If a child has difficulties with a piece of homework, they should speak to their teacher, or parents might wish to discuss the problem with teachers themselves.

What happens if a child does not complete their homework?

If a child does not return/submit their homework on the due date, it may not be marked. In addition, teachers may contact parents or carers or ask the child to complete their homework during playtime. This also applies to the completion of reading records. If this becomes a regular occurrence this will be reported to the senior team, who will make contact with the parents or carers.

If a child is absent due to illness, completion of homework will not be expected. We would assume the child is too ill to work.

If a child is absent for a length of time, but still able to work from home e.g. with a broken leg, the teacher and the parent will agree what should be done, how it should be marked and what sort of help needs to be given. In such circumstances the teacher should consult the Year Group Leader first.

Amount of homework

As they move through school, we increase the amount of homework that we give the children.

Homework is not generally set across holidays but children may be asked to research upcoming topics and we do expect all children to continue with their daily reading, spelling and mental maths activities.

Inclusion and special educational needs

It is important that children of all abilities are set appropriate homework and weekly homework activities will be differentiated according to children’s ability.

If children have special educational needs or a disability, they may be given targets to work towards during school. In these cases, appropriate homework may be set to help children meet these targets and to support their learning in school. Parents should talk to the class teacher if they have any concerns

How you can help?

Parents and carers have a vital role to play in their child’s education, and homework is an important part of this process. We ask parents and carers 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 and to provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best. Parents and carers can support their child by providing a good, quiet working space at home, by enabling their child to visit the library regularly, and by discussing the work that their child is doing.

Homework is meant to be an enjoyable and worthwhile activity for all and should not be allowed to cause distress to pupils or parents. Parents should discuss any problems or concerns with the class teacher as soon as they arise.

Policy to be approved by Head Teacher
Spring 2025
Policy / Document due for review
Spring 2027