Supporting Learning at Home

At Hallwood Park, we recognise the vital role that families play in reinforcing learning outside the classroom. Homework is most effective when it helps pupils develop core skills and when parents and carers are actively involved in supporting it.

Our primary aim is to focus on the daily practice of key foundational skills, particularly in reading and number fluency. These simple yet powerful routines help children consolidate what they have learned in school and build the confidence needed for lifelong success.

Homework Expectations

Homework is kept purposeful and manageable. It will typically focus on the following:

  • Reading (both being read to and reading aloud)

  • Spelling and phonics practice

  • Number facts and times tables

  • Handwriting

  • Occasional project-based tasks or activities linked to classroom topics

Teachers will communicate regularly, usually weekly, regarding homework tasks. Information will be shared via class newsletters, Seesaw, or through direct communication with parents. We also ask parents and carers to complete their child’s reading diary each week.

How You Can Help at Home

Numerous studies, including research by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), show that children make greater progress when families are involved in their learning. Here are some simple but highly effective ways to help:

Talking to Your Child

Regular conversations build vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. Ask your child what they learned today, what they enjoyed, or what they found tricky. Listening and responding thoughtfully shows them that learning matters.

Reading

Daily reading is the most important homework task for all children.

Reading to your child helps improve vocabulary, listening skills, and imagination. Even older children benefit from being read to, as it builds language and strengthens relationships.

Listening to your child read helps with decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Discussing the book’s plot, characters, and new words deepens understanding.

“Reading for pleasure is the single most important indicator of a child’s future success.”
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2002

Phonics and Spelling

In Early Years and Key Stage 1, children learn to decode words using phonics. Your child will have a Phonics Play login and be given flashcards to practise sounds. As they progress, they will be introduced to spelling patterns and common exception words to learn.

Your encouragement and repetition at home supports the retention of this knowledge.

Learning Number Facts and Times Tables

Quick recall of number facts and multiplication tables builds confidence and success in mathematics.

In Key Stage 1, children focus on number bonds, such as pairs that make 10 or 20. In Key Stage 2, the focus moves to multiplication tables and related division facts.

Children are provided with logins for:

  • Numbots, which supports early number sense and fluency

  • Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS), a fun and motivating tool for developing speed and accuracy with multiplication

Practising little and often at home makes a big difference.

Handwriting

Clear and fluent handwriting supports communication and confidence. Parents and carers are encouraged to help their children practise:

  • Using the school’s preferred letter formation and joins

  • Holding the pencil correctly

  • Writing neatly and consistently

Resources may be provided to support handwriting at home.

A Collaborative Effort

Our home learning expectations are grounded in current research and best practice. The Education Endowment Foundation recommends regular, low-stakes practice in reading, spelling, and number fluency as more effective than infrequent or complex homework tasks. Consistency over time brings the best results.

We understand that family routines vary and that time can be limited. Our aim is to ensure that homework supports your child’s progress in a manageable and positive way. Short, focused sessions of practice and conversation at home can have a significant impact on learning.

If you have any questions about home learning or need support accessing online platforms, please speak to your child’s class teacher.

Working together, we can provide every child at Hallwood Park with the tools they need to succeed.