Dear Parents/Carers,

Please see below for the rationale that underpins our Homework Policy which reflects the research undertaken by the Education Endowment Foundation (please see below).

Homework refers to tasks given to pupils by their teachers to be completed outside of usual lessons. Common homework activities in primary schools tend to be reading or practising spelling and number facts, but may also include more extended activities to develop inquiry skills or more directed and focused work such as revision for tests.

How effective is it? It is certainly the case that schools whose pupils do homework tend to be more successful. However it is not clear whether use of homework is a reason for this success. A number of reviews and meta-analyses have explored this issue. There is stronger evidence that it is helpful at secondary level, but there is much less evidence of benefit at primary level. There is some evidence that when homework is used as a short and focused intervention it can be effective in improving students’ attainment, but this is limited for primary age pupils

Homework has been extensively researched. There is a relatively consistent picture that pupils in schools which give more homework perform better, although for primary age pupils the difference is small. However, there are only a small number of studies which have investigated whether this relationship is due to the homework itself, rather than other school factors.

Overall, homework in primary schools does not appear to lead to large increases in learning. Effective homework is associated with greater parental involvement and support. The broader evidence base suggests that short focused tasks or activities which relate directly to what is being taught, and which are built upon in school, are likely to be more effective than regular daily homework.

As you are aware, we do offer some homework which includes reading, spelling and times tables practise.  We would encourage parents to support their children with these activities without undue pressure and as part of your regular family routines.  We understand that family life is increasingly busy so grandparents and siblings could also help out with things your children may struggle to do independently. Please see below for further information about the homework we offer. For additional activities to undertake at home, please see our page on 'Websites for Learning.'

Regards

Ms D Kimpton

Headteacher

What we do offer:

If your child is in Reception or Year 1:

They will receive books that they will take home for sharing and reading with their families. The Oxford Reading Tree books can be changed daily and children will also receive a Read Write Inc. book bag book when they reach an appropriate level in their phonics.

Children in Reception also have the opportunity on a Wednesday afternoon to share their own experiences during 'Show and Tell'. They can bring an object from home to support this. It could be a photograph, book or a picture that they have drawn of an event that has happened (we not recommend bringing in toys).

If your child is in Year 2 to Year 6:

They will complete a rapid recall maths activity in class every Monday. They will have two minutes to complete the arithmetic based questions as best they can. This will then be marked and sent home for them to practise over the week, ready to be tested again on the following Monday. When they achieve a score that demonstrates that they understand the skill being tested, they will move onto the next stage.

Also on a Monday, your child will receive spellings which can be practised at home. These will be tested on a Friday and scores will be sent home.

On a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday your child will complete a ‘Times Tables Rockstars’ sheet where they will work on a times table appropriate for their ability. They will have three minutes to answer as many questions as they can. These will be marked in class. All children have access to the online platform for ‘Times Tables Rockstars’ where they can practise their times tables and build up their speed in recalling them.

Your child will also bring home a reading book to share. The Oxford Reading Tree books can be changed daily and any children who use RWI take home books will have them changed at least once a week.

Please see the links below if you would like extra activities for your child to try at home.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z3g4d2p

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z3g4d2p

Please also see 'Useful Websites' in the Children area above