Homework

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 whole variety of activities instigated by teachers and parents/carers to support the children’s learning. 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.

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

Most homework will be set on Google Classroom. All children should have their login details for their classroom. Any issues must be raised with the class teacher.

EYFS

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 Key Stage 1

We ask parents to support their child through home learning. This includes reading daily for fifteen/twenty minutes. (Remember this can include sharing books and you reading to your child.) In addition, children will be given weekly English (may include a spelling activity) and maths, or topic based activities. We also encourage parents to help with topic based activities and vocabulary and to discuss their school learning. Spellings and Mental Maths skills are regarded as ongoing daily homework.

Practical activities such as weighing cooking ingredients, handling real money and familiarising children with measures are of great value. Sometimes, homework is for children to talk about a topic at home prior to studying it in school. When we ask children to study a topic, or to research a particular subject, we encourage them to use not only the school library but also the local library, as well as the Internet and DVDs.

At Key Stage 2

We continue to give children the sort of homework activities outlined for Key Stage 1, including the reading activities specified above but we expect them to do more tasks independently. Children will generally have Maths and English based tasks every week (often including a spelling activity); there may also be homework related to Topic or Science.

Maths homework is sometimes set as 2 or 3 smaller tasks spread over the week. We also set homework as a means of helping the children to revise for tests, as well as to ensure that prior learning has been understood. Spellings, times tables and daily reading are regarded as ongoing daily homework.

Feedback on homework

Homework is always acknowledged and, according to the task, is either marked, discussed and used in class to support learning or in Key Stage 2 children may self or peer-assess homework with teacher guidance (the teacher discusses questions, understanding and any queries and assists where necessary). This enables common misconceptions to be promptly addressed.

For example, whereas a Maths task may be marked by the teacher according to the school marking policy a topic research task may be shared in the lesson or used as part of group activity and a science piece of work may be self-assessed via class discussion.

If a child has difficulties with a piece of homework, they should discuss it with 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. It is at the teacher’s discretion what sanction to give that child. This may include the child completing homework at playtimes, calling or meeting parents. 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/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 Phase 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 to appropriate homework and weekly homework activities will be differentiated according to children’s ability. Staff will also aim to ensure that there is a wide variety of tasks that will be of interest to all children.

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.

The committee with oversight for this policy
Curriculum & Standards
Policy to be approved by Head Teacher
Autumn 2021
Policy last reviewed
Curriculum & Standards Committee
Policy last ratified and adopted by
Headteacher
Policy / Document due for review
TBC