Home Work At Five Elms Primary School

Homework is an important aspect of a child’s education. It encourages children to realise that learning can take place outside the classroom as well as promoting independent learning, thus encouraging the child to take great responsibility for their personal progress.  Homework allows parents, carers and the school to work in partnership for the benefit of their child.

We also acknowledge the important role of play and free time in a child’s growth and development. Homework should not prevent children from taking part in the wide range of after- school and out-of-school clubs and organisations that play an important part in developing children’s skills, interests and talents to the full.

Aims and objectives of homework

Our aims in setting homework are to:

• To provide opportunities for parents, children and the school to work together in relation to children’s learning;
• To help pupils develop the skills of an independent learner;
• To encourage pupils and their parents to share and enjoy learning experiences;
• To help children develop good work habits for the future;
• To consolidate, deepen understanding and extend learning done in school and to allow children to practice skills taught in lessons;
• To challenge the pupils and develop resilience;
• To ensure consistency of approach throughout the school.

Responsibilities

It is our expectation that children will engage with homework activities set by their class teachers. Teachers will offer opportunities throughout the week to provide support for children to help them with any homework that is difficult for children to complete at home.

Teachers 

● Set regular homework activities digitally or on the google classrooms for children to   

  access.

● Ensure where possible that the activities are matched to the ability of your child   

  especially where a child may have a special educational need.

Parents and Carers should support their children by:

● Where possible, providing a suitable place to do home learning, with appropriate supervision especially ensuring online safety for your child/ren;

● Making it clear to your child that you value home learning, and support the school in explaining how it can help raise attainment

● Being actively involved in joint homework activities with the children

● Encouraging your child to also play and enjoy time outside of school

Pupils should:

● Do their best to complete tasks as instructed

● Ensure they adhere to the guidance for online safety

● Ask for help as appropriate

● Gain increased motivation and enjoyment through home learning

Reading and spelling

We would hope that children read daily (alongside the schedule that follows) and that reading for pleasure is valued at all times and is not just confined to the total time spent completing homework. This would include fostering early reading skills, where appropriate. We want to promote a love of reading in every child. We encourage parents and carers to discuss their children’s books and ask questions about them to ensure that there is understanding of their book as well as accurate reading.

Digital Reading Records will be used for children to log their reading and for teachers to monitor.

We would also hope that the learning of age appropriate spellings, as outlined in the national curriculum, happens frequently outside of school and may be supplemented by spelling lists being sent home.

Inclusion and children with special educational needs

All children will have access to homework that is relevant to their current stage of learning. For children with Educational Health Care Plans homework may often be linked to targets as set in their personalised plans.

Equal Opportunities

All children are provided with equal access to homework. We aim to provide suitable learning opportunities regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity or home background. Class teachers will liaise with the Senior Leadership Team with regards to children who are unable to access online learning and appropriate next steps will be formulated.  

We are mindful that not all of our families will have access to technology.  We have 1:1 iPad provision. Children are able to borrow a school iPad to continue to work from home.

Homework Schedules

Homework is given on a regular basis across the school following the schedule below. Homework content will include reading, games and activities to reinforce English and mathematics skills. For older learners, additional tasks may be set.

Five Elms Homework policy