The big issue: homework

By Tina Gough

Homework - too much or too little? Read on and have your say...

Mary Dowson, is a primary teacher. She has two daughters, aged 10 and eight.

'Homework needs to be set with the child in mind and with parents aware of the expectations. Government guidelines recommend that a school draws up its home-school agreement which includes its policy on homework. Parents should be involved in the consultation process to develop this.

'In Years 1 and 2, the Government recommends up to an hour a week for literacy and number work, increasing to one-and-half hours a week from Year 3. For Years 5 and 6 this increases to around half-an-hour a day.

'As a parent as well as a teacher I know that children get very tired and the worst thing you can do is make your child sit and do another hour of work when they get home from school. I do believe, however, that homework can be useful in practising activities as long as it doesn't stress out either the child or parent. It should not affect their confidence, make them worry or cut in to social time.'

Mel Bramley from north London has two children: Ellen, aged six, in Year 1; and Niall, aged three, at day nursery
Homework: One or two books a week

'Ellen recently moved schools - she did her reception year at a Montessori primary, where she was given homework every night - often reading and maths. Because Ellen likes maths she often chooses to do some exercises in the workbooks we've got at home. Partly she's used to doing work at home, but it's also because she actually enjoys doing the work - we don't force her to do it. Her school does seem a bit disorganised and relaxed about homework, but hopefully it will become more structured as she moves up the school.'
Verdict: Too little

Karen Hodgkinson from Birmingham has three children: Lizzie, aged 10, in Year 6; Sam, aged 7, in Year 3; and Alice, aged two, at nursery school
Homework: Lizzie has some every night. Sam is given maths or English work (alternately) on a Thursday, to be in on a Monday

'When Lizzie was in Year 5 there was a noticeable increase in the amount of homework she was given. Some of it can be quite challenging and it often requires parental input which is quite demanding for me because I've got my other two children to deal with as well.

'Lizzie and her friends have been told the homework is to prepare them for senior school but I know it's mainly geared towards the SATs they're taking this year because I've got some SATs practice books, so know they types of questions they'll be asked.

'The amount Sam gets is manageable and I feel he could do with more - but that's personal - because Sam is a bright boy.'
Verdict: Too much (Lizzie); too little (Sam)

Tracey Godridge from south London has three children: Cora, aged eight, in Year 3; Eden, aged six, in Year 2; and Noah, aged three, who is at playgroup
Homework: Cora and Eden's weekend homework generally involves either maths problems, planning stories, comprehension or writing

'Although it doesn't generally take more than an hour to do, it does cut in to family time. Because my partner is often away on business I do find it stressful making sure Cora and Eden both get to do their work and that Noah doesn't disturb them. While Cora is mostly able to get on with it by herself, Eden often needs my help. 'If we have friends staying, or we are away for the weekend, it can also be difficult to fit the work in and I would rather let them off doing it than make them do it late on a Sunday, when they are tired. 'While the school says homework is not compulsory, there is unspoken pressure to do it. I know of some parents who have quite a battle with their children to do the work, which sends out negative messages about school work. 'Personally, I feel the amount of work given is not going to make a perceptible difference to their school work, so I don't really see the point in having family problems over getting it done.'
Verdict: Too much

Jo Thomas from Hertfordshire has three children. Hannah, aged six, in Year 2; Olivia, aged five, in Year 1, and Jack, aged three, at pre-school
Homework: Both girls get reading books each night. The last term-and-a-half Hannah has had an additional three pieces of work to do

'I'd be quite happy if the girls didn't get any homework. I think it's too early to have it, especially as they get stretched enough at school. I also find that it's difficult enough to make sure they get even their reading books done. I didn't really see the point in the small amount of extra work Hannah was given. It wasn't enough to get her used to the idea of homework or help with motivation - even though she was happy to do it. There's plenty of time for homework - they will be laden down with it at senior school.'
Verdict: Too much

Tina Gough is a features editor and mother of two.