Page 25 - Information for Parents

HOME LEARNING

Successful learning is based on a partnership between home and school. Since
children spend only 15% of their time at school it is important that we have a good
home and school partnership to allow children to practice and develop their skills.
Homework is provided for all children appropriate to their age and needs. At
Blanford Mere we value the input that parents can make to support and enrich their
children’s education.

Our homework policy explains what homework you can expect your child to receive
in each part of the school. The school has carefully considered what would be
appropriate for each age group and you will be able to plot a progression in the
amount and type of homework set. You can expect an increased amount of
homework as your child progresses through the school.

Parents will have an important part to play in the success of the policy as they will
be in a unique position to support their child in the completion of each task. For
this initiative to be successful it is important for home and school to work in
partnership and we appreciate parental support to ensure that tasks are completed
to a high standard. The School has invested considerably to provide homework
online for children from Reception to year 6 in maths and spelling. This helps
mental calculations and allows the teacher to set homework weekly, to continue
the learning journey.

CLASSROOM ORGANISATION

Classes at Blanford Mere are generally grouped in classes according to their age;
however, there are occasions when unequal numbers necessitate mixed age
classes. Children are not disadvantaged by these arrangements as in all
classes’ teachers organise their work according to the needs of the children
in their care. Sometimes children are grouped according to their ability in a certain
subject or according to their level of experience or maturity. Classrooms are
complex places where teachers strive to achieve the right balance for their pupils.
As well as intellectual needs, there are emotional, social, aesthetic and physical
needs to consider for each child.
Sometimes lessons are taught, or issues discussed as a class. Sometimes
children learn better in smaller groups. Children also need to experience the self-
discipline and satisfaction gained from doing a piece of work entirely on their own
as they grow older we will expect them to become more independent in this
respect. In short, teaching is organised according to the nature of the activities
and the needs and abilities of the children.
We want children to be successful in what they attempt to achieve, we believe that
success breeds success.
There may be times when your child is part of an intervention programme, so that
they can make accelerated progress and plug gaps in their learning. We expect
children to make the most of this opportunity, to work hard and be fully engaged.

Blanford Mere Primary School – Prospectus 2025-2026 Updated 08.09.2025 24