Definition of homework
For this policy 'homework' refers to any work or activities which pupils are asked to do outside
lesson time, either on their own or with parents or carers.
The Aims of Homework
1. To develop an effective partnership between the school and parents and other carers.
2. To consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding in English and Maths
3. To encourage independent learning; so that as pupils progress through the school
they develop the confidence and self discipline needed to complete activities on their own.
4. To raise the attainment of all children in Literacy and Numeracy.
The Role of Homework
Research has found that there is enormous advantage in children spending regular periods of
time, initially quite short, on activities at home that support the work they do in class. It has
been found that regular time given to homework affects children's academic attainment.
In addition, homework encourages the development of independent learning skills and
attitudes, from an early age; skills and attitudes which children will need, to continue learning
throughout their school careers and adult lives.
Staff and governors at Castle Bromwich Infant and Nursery School also believe that infant
aged children should be encouraged to participate in outside school activities such as clubs
and sports. We recognise and place a high value on children taking part in these activities.
However, we also understand the pressure this places on time as result of these activities.
The government has issued guidelines for the recommended time to be spent on
homework each week:
Years 1 and 2
1 hour per week
All these factors have been taken into account when forming our homework statement.
Homework Statement
The staff and governors of Castle Bromwich Infant and Nursery School ask parents to
support their child in completing homework:
Nursery
1. To share books with adults on a regular daily basis.
2. To learn nursery rhymes.
3. To learn counting rhymes.
4. To talk about things they see in the environment and encourage children’ listening skills
Reception
1. To share books with adults on a regular daily basis.
2. To learn to recognise and read keywords
3. To learn counting rhymes.
4. To play maths games
5. To reinforce sounds learnt in school.
Year 1
1. To read and listen to others read on a regular daily basis for 10 minutes per day.
2. Simple counting and learn number bonds
3. To play maths games
4. To reinforce sounds learnt in school.
5. To learn to read keywords
Year 2
1. To read and listen to others read on a regular daily basis for 15 minutes per day.
2. To have a rapid recall of number bonds to 20 and to begin to learn times tables.
3. To complete maths tasks set on the computer (matheletics)
4. To learn spelling rules taught in class and read/spell keywords
5. To research and understand vocabulary related to topics.
The emphasis is on a regular pattern to homework so that children get accustomed to
completing tasks and the demands of homework are balanced and manageable.
Policy Statement
This policy reflects the important role of homework in Castle Bromwich Infant & Nursery
School. It outlines a broad framework for the setting of homework throughout the school. This
framework begins in nursery and emphasises the importance of developing a partnership with
parents or carers and involving them actively in their child’s learning from the earliest times.
For children in both the Foundation Key Stage and Key Stage 1 there is an emphasis on
reading and sharing books with an adult.
In addition children have personal targets which are shared with parents on ‘parents
evenings’. In the nursery class these may focus on PSD (Personal & Social Development)
targets e.g. dressing and undressing independently. After this targets focus on children
learning the high frequency words for reading and then spelling. Children may also have a
maths target eg learning to count in 1s.
The reading diary enables communication between home and school and class teachers ask
that parents sign the reading diary when they read with their child or if they have any
homework queries.
Children with special educational needs are expected to follow the guidelines for homework.
However, their Individual Education Plan (IEP) may set out specific tasks for them to practise
with parents.
The efficiency and effectiveness of the homework policy is regularly monitored and
evaluated. In the first instance the class teacher monitors the time and effort given to
homework.
The Head teacher monitors homework throughout the school and discusses with class
teachers how far the school homework policy has been successfully implemented