Home Learning

At Sarum St Paul's, we believe that learning continues beyond the classroom. We value the partnership between home and school and know that the support children receive at home plays an important role in helping children develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.

Earlier this year, we asked parents and staff for their views on home learning. We also considered the latest educational research, including evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). Both highlighted that the greatest impact comes from children reading regularly and practising the key knowledge and skills that underpin future learning.

As a result, we have simplified our approach to home learning so that it focuses on the activities that make the biggest difference. Rather than setting regular project-based homework, we prioritise reading, spelling and mathematical fluency while using Seesaw to strengthen the partnership between home and school by sharing and celebrating learning.

Reading

Reading is our highest priority.

We ask all children to read at home at least four times each week and record this in their reading record so that teachers can celebrate and support positive reading habits.

Reading is one of the most powerful ways to develop vocabulary, comprehension, writing and overall academic achievement. Even as children become more independent readers, discussing books and hearing them read aloud continues to be incredibly valuable.

English

In Reception and Year 1, the focus is on developing phonics knowledge and learning key tricky words. Where children would benefit from additional practice, teachers will share the sounds, words or activities that would be most helpful to work on at home.

From Year 2 onwards, children receive weekly spellings through Spelling Shed. If your child is unable to access Spelling Shed at home, please speak to your child's class teacher for a copy of the spelling list. Spellings will also be shared on Seesaw each week.

In Years 6, children will also complete activities in their English home learning books to reinforce learning and develop the independence and study habits that will support a successful transition to secondary school.

Maths

In Reception and Year 1, children develop their mathematical understanding through practical counting activities and number-based learning at home where appropriate. Additional activities may be shared through Seesaw.

From Year 2 onwards, children should regularly practise key mathematical knowledge through:

• Times Table Rock Stars

• counting activities and number fluency practice

• times table practice in a variety of ways.

Secure recall of number facts and times tables provides the foundation for future success in mathematics, helping children develop confidence, accuracy and efficiency.

Children in Years 6 will also continue to use their Maths home learning books to consolidate learning from the classroom.

Seesaw

We use Seesaw to strengthen the partnership between home and school.

Each class aims to share:

• one post each week showcasing learning from a foundation subject

• one post each week highlighting learning in English

• one post each week highlighting learning in Maths.

Many posts will also include optional activities that families may choose to complete together at home. These activities are designed to reinforce classroom learning rather than introduce new concepts, giving children opportunities to revisit, practise and talk about what they have been learning in school.

Supporting Your Child

The most valuable support you can give is taking an interest in your child's learning. Reading together, practising key skills, talking about the school day and celebrating successes all help children to develop confidence and a positive attitude towards learning.

Home learning should never become a source of anxiety. If your child is finding something difficult, please let their class teacher know so that we can work together to provide the right support.

Home Learning Expectations

The timings above are a guide for each home learning activity, not the total amount of home learning across the week. Reading should take place regularly throughout the week in addition to these activities. Home learning is designed to reinforce classroom learning and should not become a source of stress. If your child is regularly spending significantly longer than these suggested times, please speak to their class teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has home learning changed?

Earlier this year, we asked parents and staff for their views on home learning and considered the latest educational research. Both highlighted that the greatest impact comes from children reading regularly and practising the key knowledge and skills that underpin future learning. As a result, we have simplified our approach so that home learning focuses on the activities that make the biggest difference.

What if we have a busy week?

We understand that family life can be busy. Home learning is intended to support learning, not create additional pressure. If you are unable to complete all activities on occasion, please do not worry. Please prioritise reading together.

What if my child is finding the work difficult?

Please speak to your child's class teacher. Home learning should help children build confidence, and we are always happy to offer advice or adapt activities where needed.

What if we cannot access Seesaw, Spelling Shed or Times Table Rock Stars?

If you have any difficulties accessing any of our online learning platforms, please contact your child's class teacher or the school office and we will be happy to help.

Working Together

By working together and focusing on the areas that make the greatest difference, we can help every child develop confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning, living out our vision of Rooted in Love, Growing Together.