A Parent’s Guide to Our New Home Learning Approach

At North Walsham Infant and Junior School, we believe education is a partnership between school and home. We have listened closely to feedback from current parents, pupils, and our ex-pupils now in Years 7 and 8.

Based on your feedback, we are launching a new, purposeful homework policy. We are moving away from screen-heavy tasks and "work for work’s sake," focusing instead on "paper and pen" activities to build fine motor skills, concentration, and core fundamentals.

The Golden Rule: 5 tasks a week, set on a Friday, in on a Friday

To keep things simple, predictable, and manageable for busy families, the routine is exactly the same for every single year group:

• The 5-Task Rule: Every year group will have exactly 5 short tasks to complete each week. For our youngest children, it will be to read or to be read to 5 times per week. 

• Hand-out Day: Homework will always be set on a Friday.

• Hand-in Day: Completed homework must be handed in by the following Friday.

The Strategy: A Phased Approach

We have structured our home learning so that the content evolves as your child grows, ensuring tasks are developmentally appropriate while strictly sticking to the 5-task weekly routine.

Reception & Year 1: Reading, Reading, Reading!

• Reception: Read 5 times per week (this includes you reading to your child or practising their phonics)

• Year 1: Read 4 times per week + 1 paper-based handwriting task (Total: 5 tasks).

Years 2, 3, & 4: Mastering the Fundamentals

• Year 2: Read 4 times per week + 1 paper-based task (alternating between handwriting and Factual Fluency) (Total: 5 tasks).

• Years 3 & 4: Read 3 times per week + 2 paper-based tasks (chosen from handwriting, times table practice, comprehension, or spelling) (Total: 5 tasks).

  • Note for Year 4: We will strategically use Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) online to help pupils prepare for the timed, national Multiplication Tables Check (MTC).

Years 5 & 6: Building Stamina for High School

Our ex-pupils shared that the jump in homework volume at high school is one of their biggest stressors. To prevent this "Year 7 Gap," older students will use CGP workbooks to build essential study habits.

• Years 5 & 6: 3X reading + CGP Reading task + 1 CGP Maths tasks (Total: 5 tasks).

Optional Creative Homework

Once every half-term, a completely optional, open-ended challenge will be set in assembly (e.g., baking, junk modelling, or writing a persuasive letter to the PTA for new playground equipment).

These creative projects are judged by the Head or Deputy Head. Children who participate are celebrated in assembly.

Why Homework Matters: The Data

We know life is busy, but just 10–15 minutes of focused daily practice makes a massive difference. Research shows a direct link between consistent home learning and your child's future happiness and success:

• The Reading Advantage: Children who read daily at home are 3 times more likely to have above-average literacy skills. Reading proficiency by the end of primary school is even linked to higher lifetime earnings (an average of £65,000 more!).

• Brain Power (Automaticity): Practicing basic maths facts at home frees up brainpower for harder classroom problems, helping children make up to 5 months of additional academic progress in a single year.

• The Roadmap to Success: Early positive habits build a foundation for passing the Year 1 Phonics screening, the Year 4 Multiplication check, and achieving the expected standard or better in SATs, ultimately setting them up to pass GCSEs and access great careers, apprenticeships, or university.

• The Long-Term Risk: Sadly, UK data shows that over 50% of adult prisoners are functionally illiterate. We want to give our children the best possible tools to build a successful, fulfilled life.

How We Can Help: Homework Clubs

We understand that finding the right space or time to study at home can be tough. We are here to support you and your child.

• Lunchtime Support: A quiet, supportive space available for KS2 pupils who want to work or need a little extra guidance from staff.

• After-School Club: At least one dedicated session per week led by teachers providing one-to-one support for children finding their weekly tasks challenging.

Consistent Expectations

If a child consistently forgets to complete their home learning or hand it in by the Friday deadline, they will be invited to attend the Friday lunchtime homework club.

Please note: This is not a punishment. It is a supportive catch-up session with a teacher to ensure your child doesn't fall behind their peers and can go into the weekend with their tasks fully completed.

Rewards and Encouragement

We want to celebrate effort, dedication, and positive habits—not just final results!

• Weekly Rewards: Children who complete their home learning each week earn individual stickers (including "Smelly Stickers") in their planners.

• Half-Termly Choices: Accumulating these stickers leads to a half-termly reward. Children can choose from options like an extra breaktime, a movie afternoon, or a hot chocolate and biscuit treat.

• Grace for "Curveballs": We know family life can be unpredictable. If a child who usually does their homework misses a week due to unforeseen circumstances, they will not lose their chance to get the half-term treat.