Homework

We believe that primary school children need, above all, time outside school to pursue their own interests, play and rest. They do not benefit from being pressurised by excessive amounts of work each night and each weekend which they see as a stressful chore of little benefit.

At the same time, we wish to use every opportunity to extend their development, skills and knowledge and it is our belief that small amounts of work set for home by the primary school can be an invaluable addition to this learning process, provided it is underpinned by a number of important principles.

We further believe that setting some work at home involves the parents/carers in the learning process and promotes a circle of collaboration between teacher, parent and child. This is critical to success.

For pupils in Years 1 and 2 staff may suggest extra reinforcement or extension work as necessary, and reading folders will be sent home regularly. At Year 2 children may be asked to complete unfinished work or take on small research projects to help support their work towards success in the end of year SATs. For Key Stage 2 pupils there is a consistent and progressive pattern of increasing amounts, from Year 3 through to Year 6. (A copy of the Homework policy is available from school)

Home-School Reading

We see regular reading at home as critical to children’s success. We expect each Junior pupil to read for a minimum total of one hour per week.

We are happy for school reading books to be taken home, and to provide advice to parents/carers on how to share books with children, or on choice of reading material. All children are encouraged to appreciate books and enjoy reading; thus parental co-operation is vital in this respect.

A booklet giving detailed guidelines for parents / carers on how best to foster this enjoyment is given to parents / carers of Reception children during their preliminary visits. A guide for parents / carers of Key Stage Two children, including further advice on suitable reading material, is currently being revised for distribution later in the year.

Parents/Carers In School

We are enormously grateful to the many helpers who come to assist us in so many ways in school. Many activities and learning opportunities take place that would otherwise be absent because of an extra pair of hands. No special skills are necessary, just a willingness to give up a little time to help our school. Training is available from Mrs. Dunning for those who would like to become Reading Volunteers. Please ask your child’s teacher or Mrs. Dunning for details.

Whilst we are very happy for parents/carers to come into school, we request your co-operation, for reasons of safety, with the following:

• Please wait outside the building for your child at the end of the school day.
• Please use the main front entrance to come in outside school hours. The entrances at either side are now security locked during the day. We ask all visitors to sign in and wear an appropriate lapel badge.

*(In light of increasing concerns about security volunteer helpers will find it necessary to complete a Disclosure of Criminal Conviction form before starting work in school – these can be obtained from the school office.)

Please note that all areas of the building and premises are no-smoking areas. We would value your co-operation in observing this restriction.

Patrons of Abbey Lane School (PALS)

Patrons of Abbey Lane School - PALS for short - is the school's parent organisation, which helps us in a variety of ways, mainly through fund raising and social activities. All Abbey Lane parents / carers automatically qualify for free membership! They are a great way to get to know other parents / carers- of children in your own child's class and in other years - to learn more about the workings of the school, and to contribute to the little extras - more chess boards, benches for the playground, etc. that make school life that little bit more pleasant for the children and staff. Being an active PALS member is a way to make a real contribution, in terms of your time and practical support, to the well-being of the school.