Homework guide - schools and establishments

The development of an effective parental partnership in the pre-school setting encourages early learning activities which link nursery and home. These home learning activities can play an important role in the child's early acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills.

Primary schools

Homework policies in primary schools should support pupils' learning experiences. Schools should try to involve parents in their child's learning and offer support through workshops, parent prompts, meetings and the introduction of a homework diary. The diary should reflect progression over the primary stages.

Secondary schools

Consultation within the primary/secondary cluster group will help to bring about some measure of continuity in homework for pupils, particularly at the P7 and S1 transition stage. The cluster should consider the development of a 'transition' homework diary to support pupils and parents and strengthen the liaison programme.The secondary school policy should inform parents about the structure of inter-departmental agreements for homework. Pupils should be encouraged to take advantage of any available supported study initiatives and to use study skills across the subject areas.

Special educational needs

Schools should develop a differentiated programme which is inclusive of all pupils of all abilities, and where necessary consultation should take place with relevant partners eg area learning support teacher, speech therapist, educational psychologist and social worker. Within special schools, homework policies should reflect the diverse needs of the pupils. Specific homework activities could be integrated in the pupil's Individual Education Programme and reviewed regularly in consultation with the parents.

Homework diaries

The homework diary is an important means of communication between school, pupil and parent.

 Training pupils to manage their diary well can help them to:

• plan their homework;
• manage their time;
• record their achievements;
• review their progress; and
• set targets for improvement

Quality assurance

Schools may wish to refer to the authority's support material "How good is homework in our school ?" while developing their homework policy. This expands on several of the quality indicators contained in "How good is your school?".

The non statutory nature of homework

While homework is voluntary the ethos of the school should reinforce the link between homework and improved levels of pupil attainment

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