Learning at home

We have engaged with pupil, staff and families regarding making home learning relevant and manageable.  Please find our updated policy which will be under consultation until 25th October.

Learning at home policy

Rationale

This learning at home policy ensures a commonality of approach between all learners, parents/carers and teachers, to ensure a clear view of the purpose of home-based learning tasks.  As promoted in the Scottish Schools (Parental Act) 2006, there is recognition of the vital role that parents/carers play in their children’s learning and development, at home and in the community. We aim for effective partnerships between home and school to improve outcomes for every child in our learning community. Setting home learning is not compulsory, however we recognise the importance of sharing learning so that parents/carers can discuss school learning with their child.

 

We are focused on ensuring a progression of skills for learners, across our school community and that learning at home is a positive and beneficial experience for learners, aligned with their needs, and supports their overall learning.  We are fortunate that many of our learners participate in a wide range of out-of-school activities.  We fully support the attendance of these as we understand the benefits attached to learning new skills, building resilience and working alongside others.  In support of this, we attempt to offer a wide range of lunch and after school clubs to encourage the development of these experiences and skills.   Therefore, we believe that learning at home is wider than setting homework tasks and we have created this policy in line with learners, parent & staff views to encourage parental involvement, whilst reducing the burden on busy family lives. At times, there may be specific support required.  This would be agreed in partnership between home and school.

 

This learning at home policy is designed to:

  • Ensure progression towards independence and individual responsibility.
  • Ensure parents/carers have a clear understanding about expectations for themselves and their children.
  • Consolidate learning taught in class.
  • Provide opportunities for parents and pupils to work in partnership and enjoy learning experiences.

From data collated over the last two years around homework return and survey data from pupils, staff and parents across our school community, our findings supported a decision to streamline and define learning at home relevant to our school community:

As a result, we have modified our learning at home policy to provide a flexible range of opportunities to support learning at home. Participation is flexible to suit individual family routines.

Opportunities for learning at home

Useful links