These notes record additional comments made by parents on questionnaire replies.

St. Nicholas School

The comments are listed under the question which prompted them.

Which of these statements best describes your thoughts about homework?

Multiple choice responses were: 'I've not really thought about it before'; 'I've had concerns about homework and have discussed them with my child's teacher'; 'I've had concerns about homework but have not discussed them with my child's teacher'; 'I've thought existing arrangements are fine so have had no reason to raise any concerns'; and 'Something else.'

Parents' additional comments were:

• "We don't feel our child gets enough homework!!!"
• "Homework could involve research/fun/looking up/find for wider projects. Time on prep + mark homework could then be used by teachers to enhance classroom teaching."
• "Could do with more, and on a regular basis. It will be a shock when he moves up a school."
• "So far only get spelling and reading homework, would like to see other subjects as although we do maths etc. never know if it's to the level they are doing in school."
• "Homework is good, though sometimes explanations are needed on "what to do?""
• "A little amount regularly and balanced over literacy and numeracy."
• "It should be more balanced over Literacy and Numeracy with some 'fun' extras, i.e. topic work." (Same respondent as preceding comment)
• "I think educational expectations of primary age children has changed considerably but am not yet convinced that they are all positive especially for infant classes (age 4-7)."
• "Homework has become a necessary evil to primary age children to be up to speed on curriculum." (Same respondent as preceding comment)
• Respondent replied '...existing arrangements are fine...' inserting 'now' to qualify statement and added: "Previously too little."

Which of these sources of advice on homework (if any) would you welcome and use if available?

Multiple choice responses were: 'Information leaflets'; 'Parents' workshops in the evening'; 'Information pages on the school's Website'; 'None of the above'; and 'Something else'.

Parents' additional comments were:

• "Dependent on the homework - perhaps an attached note to parents (where necessary) for sourcing info or methods of teaching the particular subject."
• "Parent info - where necessary for particular task set on how child can get most out of subject." (Same respondent as preceding comment)
• "Knowing which day the homework is set. Regular days for homework."
• "Or a wallchart saying which day home is expected." (Same respondent as preceding comment)

Which topics (if any) would you welcome advice on?

Multiple choice responses were: 'Reading with my child'; 'Learning spellings at home'; 'Learning maths facts at home'; 'None of the above'; and 'Something else.'

Parents' additional comments were:

• "Methods of learning maths facts have changed since I learnt."
• "Sometimes find methods of learning maths have changed since I learnt." (Same respondent as preceding comment)
• "Science and IT."
• "I would like to be consistent in the way things are taught at school, i.e. maths."
• "Learning how to teach maths, i.e. methods for teaching division." (Same respondent as preceding comment)
• Respondent replied 'None of the above' and added: "I have asked what I needed to know at parents' evening."
• "It would be nice to know what is expected as a standard in English." (Same respondent as preceding comment)

If a primary age child fails to do homework then:

Multiple choice responses were: 'Parents should be told immediately'; 'Parents should be told if it happens repeatedly'; 'There should be no further action'; 'Homework should be completed in playtimes or lunchtimes'; and 'Something else.'

Parents' additional comments were:

• "Ages 4-7 strongly feel pressure of homework should not apply."
• "Children rewarded for doing homework to encourage participation."
• "It's not a big issue at this age and should only be encouraged." (Parent of Year 2 child)
• "It is reasonable to introduce into Yr 5/6 but unnecessary before."

Which of these statements best describes your attitude to your child's homework?

Multiple choice responses were: 'It's great: I often enjoy the chance it gives me to do things with my child'; 'I resent it: I don't think school should be telling my child what to do at home'; 'It's okay: sometimes I'm involved and I'm happy with that.'; 'I'm not really involved but I think it's a good thing for my child to do'; and 'Something else.'

• "Great most of the time but with three children all at school sometimes it's hard finding time for them all."
• "Fine when the set homework is clearly defined. Can sometimes be vague which is frustrating all round."
• "It's important and can help you understand what your child is doing at school."
• "There is quite a difference between my children's attitude. Maybe a boy/girl thing, maybe an ability thing. One is a more 'hands-on' child."
• " I feel in Class 4 (Year 5/6) it is a good habit to get into and a good thing to make him think for himself. I also appreciate that some children may have problems getting their parents to help and feel that if it causes rows it is not worth upsetting the child." (Same respondent as preceding comment)
• "Interest, support and participation from a parent should encourage a child to learn. They benefit from the interaction."
• "Homework encourages participation, interest and support in a child's education which should encourage them to learn." (Same respondent as preceding comment)

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