We recognise that home learning can be a contentious subject. Families understandably hold a wide range of views - from those who value regular activities to those who feel that children’s time outside school should remain free for rest, play and family life.

To help shape our approach, we surveyed families across the school. A clear majority supported home learning, with reading receiving the strongest support, followed by maths, spelling, writing, times tables and phonics. Parents also favoured a gradual, age-appropriate increase in the time children spend on home learning: short activities for our youngest pupils, building towards longer sessions for older children.

We have listened carefully to this feedback. Our approach aims to strike a sensible balance! Reinforcing important learning, encouraging positive habits and involving families, while protecting children’s wellbeing and recognising the value of their interests, relationships and experiences beyond the classroom. Home learning will therefore be purposeful, manageable and appropriate for each child’s age.