Homework – Academic Year 2026–2027

At Aldermaston C.E. Primary School, we recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting their child’s learning. Taking an interest in what children are learning at school, reading together and regularly practising key skills can have a significant positive impact on children’s confidence, engagement and progress.

Our approach to homework is designed to consolidate key learning, particularly in reading, spelling and mathematics, while also recognising the importance of children having time outside of school to play, rest, socialise and pursue their own interests.

How can I support my child with their learning at home?

Talking to your child about their learning is one of the simplest and most valuable ways to support them.

You might ask:

  • What did you enjoy learning today?

  • What was the most interesting thing you found out?

  • Was anything tricky today?

  • Can you teach me something you learned?

  • What are you proud of?

We understand that children do not always want to talk about school as soon as they come through the door! Mealtimes, journeys, bath time or other relaxed moments can often be better opportunities for conversation.

At the start of each academic year, families will receive a curriculum overview outlining the key learning that will take place across the year. Families may wish to use this to explore related books, programmes, places to visit or activities at home.

What are the expectations for homework?

Homework expectations are appropriate to the age and stage of the children and gradually increase as pupils move through the school.

EYFS

The main focus for children in EYFS is reading and phonics.

Children should:

  • Read regularly at home with an adult.

  • Practise the Little Wandle phonics sound or sounds shared each week.

  • Use the links and resources available through the Little Wandle Parent Portal.

Reminders and information will also be shared with families through Tapestry.

Key Stage 1 – Years 1 and 2

Children should:

  • Read regularly at home.

  • Practise their weekly spellings, which will be tested the following week.

Spellings will be recorded in children's yellow spelling books.

Lower Key Stage 2 – Years 3 and 4

Children should:

  • Read regularly at home.

  • Practise their weekly spellings, which will be tested each week.

  • Write a sentence using each spelling word, taking care to use their best handwriting.

  • Regularly practise multiplication and division facts using Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS).

  • Complete additional mental maths practice when this is set by the class teacher.

Homework will be recorded in children's homework books.

Upper Key Stage 2 – Years 5 and 6

Children should:

  • Read regularly at home.

  • Practise their weekly spellings.

  • Complete additional English and/or maths activities as set by the class teacher.

  • Regularly practise multiplication and division facts using Times Tables Rock Stars.

Homework in Years 5 and 6 will support children in consolidating their classroom learning, developing independence and preparing them for the increasing expectations of secondary school.

Reading at home

At Aldermaston, we want every child to develop a love of reading. Reading regularly at home is one of the most valuable ways families can support children’s learning, vocabulary, imagination and wider understanding of the world.

Children will take home:

  • A phonics or appropriately levelled reading book, matched to their current reading stage.

  • A Reading for Pleasure book chosen from our school library.

Books will usually be changed weekly.

Where a child is reading a phonics or levelled book, it is important that the same book is read more than once. Re-reading is a valuable part of learning to read. It allows children to become increasingly accurate and automatic when recognising words, which in turn builds fluency, confidence, expression and understanding.

A first read may focus on decoding unfamiliar words. With each subsequent read, children can begin to read more smoothly and confidently and focus more closely on meaning and enjoyment.

We would love children to read at home every day where possible. However, we recognise that family life can be busy, so we ask that children read at home a minimum of three times each week.

Depending on their age and reading stage, this might include:

  • Your child reading aloud to an adult.

  • An adult and child sharing a book together.

  • Discussing a book or asking questions about what has been read.

  • Your child reading independently.

  • An adult reading a more challenging book aloud for enjoyment.

Reading at home should be recorded in your child's Reading Record, where applicable.

Spellings

Children will receive spellings linked to the spelling and phonics teaching taking place in school.

We encourage short, regular practice throughout the week rather than learning all of the spellings in one session.

Where spelling tests take place, children's results will be recorded so that parents and carers can see how their child has achieved and monitor their progress over time.

Times Tables Rock Stars

We use Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) to support children in developing fluent recall of multiplication and division facts.

Children have individual logins and are encouraged to practise regularly at home. Short, frequent practice can make a significant difference to children's confidence and fluency in mathematics.

Keeping track of homework

Teachers will keep a record of homework completion.

This information helps us to:

  • Recognise and celebrate children who complete their homework regularly.

  • Discuss homework and learning habits with families at Parents' Evenings.

  • Identify children who may need additional encouragement or support.

  • Ensure a consistent approach to homework across the school.

If your child is finding homework difficult, please speak to their class teacher. Homework should support learning and we would always prefer families to let us know if their child is struggling rather than it becoming a source of worry.

What else can I do with my child?

Learning at home does not need to look like school.

Children benefit enormously from opportunities to:

  • Play outside and be physically active.

  • Take part in sports and clubs.

  • Cook and bake.

  • Play games.

  • Visit libraries, museums and places of interest.

  • Spend time with friends and family.

  • Explore nature and the local community.

  • Develop their own hobbies and interests.

  • Read and share books purely for enjoyment.

All of these experiences help children develop their confidence, independence, vocabulary, curiosity and understanding of the world around them.

What if I have a concern?

If you have any questions about homework, or your child is experiencing difficulties completing it, please speak to your child's class teacher.

We are keen to work in partnership with families to ensure that homework is manageable, purposeful and supportive of children's learning.