Homework in Devonshire is seen as an integral part of children’s work as a whole. It is set in the interests of consistency and progression and to foster the habit of self-discipline. The purpose of this policy is to state what homework will be given to children and what is required of parents/carers in supporting their child in his/her homework.

Principles

Homework should:

• reflect and complement work being undertaken in class;
• provide opportunities for extension and reinforcement;
• be differentiated, by task or outcome, to meet the needs of all children, including more able children;
• be given on a regular basis.

Teachers will provide timely feedback to children on the quality of their homework in accordance with the school's feedback and marking policy. Feedback may be given through

• class work (for example class discussion or feedback on work of which the homework assignment is a part or asking children to review their own work in small groups);
• tests (for example tables and spellings);
• marking;
• individual comments from the teacher (for example on written assignments);
• at a more general level, children's efforts may be recognised by the award of team points or merit mentions.

The Homework Tables set out below indicate what is considered appropriate for each year group as regular and occasional homework. Individual teachers may decide that there are special circumstances why homework may not be given at the time set out in the Homework Tables or that additional homework may be required.

Parent/carer responsibilities

The support of parents/carers is essential in encouraging children to carry out homework. Parents/carers must ensure that there is time and an appropriate place provided for homework. Children in the Foundation Stage and KS1 will generally need assistance with their homework. Children in KS2 will increasingly require less assistance. KS2 children are expected to complete homework and hand it to their class teacher by the required time.

Reading, whether reading with a child, listening or ensuring that there is time and a place provided for children to read is key homework. Parents/carers of all children should regularly listen to their child reading, daily for children in Reception and KS1. This support is a key factor in the progress made by a child. Children in KS2 should read at least 3 times a week.

Parents/carers may use their child's contact book to provide feedback to a teacher on how well their child did the homework and on whether the activities were interesting/too easy/too hard etc.

Homework Tables