Buckminster Primary School

HOMEWORK POLICY

1.	INTRODUCTION

At Buckminster homework is used to reinforce and consolidate concepts taught in lessons particularly in English and Maths.
Homework helps to develop an effective partnership between the school and parents and other carers in pursuing the aims of the school.
Homework helps to encourage pupils as they get older to develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to study on their own and prepare them for the requirements of secondary school.

2.	ENTITLEMENT

•	Children of all ages are expected to read every night at home. Parents are also asked to try and create an atmosphere at home which helps develop value in reading.

•	For children in the Foundation Stage any home activities will be used to develop a partnership with parents and carers actively involving them in children’s learning. Reading will form the basis of any home-school activities. When the child is ready, they may receive short phonics activities on a regular basis

•	In line with the DfE recommendations children in Year 1 and 2 will receive at least two pieces of homework lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Children in lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4) will receive at least two pieces a week lasting 20-30 minutes plus spellings and times tables and children in upper KS2 (Years 5 and 6) will receive up to three pieces of homework a week lasting approximately 30 minutes each.

•	In KS1 homework will largely consist of reading, English and/or Maths. Children will also receive spellings on a regular basis.

•	In KS2 English and Maths will still be the main focus for homework although Science and other subjects may be added to the programme as children move up the school.

•	The teachers in each year group will work together to develop a regular pattern for homework and ensure children and parents are aware of the homework routine. 

3.	IMPLEMENTATION

•	Homework will be marked on a regular basis and returned to the children as soon as possible but sometimes teachers will give verbal feedback

•	Homework should match the ability of the children. Setting appropriate homework which does not demand too much or too little of children and their parents means close liaison between class teachers, the SENDco and parents. Older children should receive homework involving finding out information, reading in preparation for lessons, preparing oral presentations as well as more traditional written and mathematical exercises.

•	Parents and carers will be encouraged to provide a reasonably peaceful, suitable place in which pupils can do their homework and encourage and praise their children when they have completed homework.

•	All children will be expected to complete the set homework although teachers will sensitively identify any particular problems at home which may cause a child difficulty in completing the set work.

•	Under certain circumstances children will, when there are difficulties at home and when it is practical, be given the opportunity to complete their homework at school, during a lunch or break time.

•	The homework diary, which all children are encouraged to use, also acts as a useful form of communication between home and school, an avenue  which is sometimes lost when children are no longer met by parents at the classroom door.

4.	MONITORING AND EVALUATION

•	Homework and in KS2 homework diaries will be monitored as part of the school curriculum. The SLT, teaching staff and parents will also be involved in assessing the effectiveness of homework in achieving the school’s aims through parent and pupil surveys, verbal feedback, the application of skills and knowledge within school and feedback from parents.

Name; This policy was written by Debbie Clarke
Date Agreed; February 2017
Supported by; Curriculum and Standards
Date to be reviewed February 2019