We want homework to be useful and purposeful. Therefore, our homework approach is informed by research from the Education Endowment Fund (2017). This research found that…

1. Short-focused tasks or activities which relate directly to what is being taught, and which are built upon in school, are more likely to be more effective than regular daily homework.
2. Where parents are engaged in homework, children are more likely to develop effective learning habits.

As a result, the purpose of the homework set at Headley Park is to…

• Provide an opportunity for parents and carers to be involved in the academic development of their child.
• Consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding to develop fluency.
• Provide opportunities for the sharing of skills and learning at home.

First, we encourage children, parents and carers to regularly practise two key areas to build fluency.

Reading

We recognise that reading is the key to unlocking the wider curriculum and we prioritise reading. From Reception, children will be sent home with two reading books once a week. One will be their phonically decodable/levelled book. This book will have been introduced to the children in school and will allow them to practise the skills and knowledge they have encountered in school. One will be a free choice book from the book corner or library. Children may also bring home key words. Parents and carers are able to attend school lessons and a number of reading and phonics workshops to support them with reading at home. Reading should be completed as regularly as possible.

Maths

Times tables are vital for fluency in maths. We ask children to practise multiplication and division facts at home. To support this, we provide children with a Times Table Rock Stars log in where teachers set regular challenges and competitions.

Second, we encourage children to take ownership of their own learning and share it with those at home.

We recognise that some parents and carers may seek additional support with home learning. Where this is the case, we work in partnership to support the family.