October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

For some time now we have been reviewing our homework and homework policy. We understand that homework can come with many challenges for children and parents - we know that it can be detrimental to children's learning and it is not always an effective process and use of time - fundamentally, it does not always help learning to stick.

Therefore, we have decided to change what we do and focus on a more consistent approach and more importantly an approach that will support children's basic skills: reading, maths (number skills) and handwriting. This new approach is based on the recall and retrieval practice of these basic skills.  A definition of this is:

Retrieval practice is a learning technique that strengthens memory by requiring individuals to actively recall information from their long-term memory, rather than passively re-reading or reviewing it. By frequently practicing this act of memory retrieval the neural pathways for accessing that information become stronger, making future recall easier and more enduring. 

Each week there will be a number skills task, handwriting practice and we ask that children read with an adult at least three times each week.  The number skills tasks may be similar each week depending on which number skills teachers feel need practising and embedding.  It’s all about repetition and helping learning to stick.  There are also links to websites that children can access if they wish to.

Thank you for your support.

Mr J Ratcliffe

Headteacher

Home Readers

Reception to Year 2 - books are matched specifically to where your child is currently at in their Phonics development. The books are matched to the Phase and Week the child is currently working at. All books will now be labelled with the Phase and Week and not a coloured sticker.

Pupils in Years 3 and 4 are usually still reading books from the coloured book bands.  By the end of Year 4, we aim for children to be free readers.  This may happen earlier for some children.  Once a child has been assessed as a free reader, they may choose a text of their choice from the class library or from home.  However, the class teacher (or another adult) will still oversee and check on what pupils are reading to ensure they are reading an age-appropriate text.  

Book changing and checking days - Monday and Friday (an adult will check the pupils Reading Records on Fridays). The aim is for children to read at home at least three times a week

Why do we change books on Mondays and Fridays?

Many children still need reminders to change their reading books and support in choosing an appropriate book.  It is beneficial for younger children to read the same book more than once and for parents to use the reading prompts to check children’s comprehension of the text, vocabulary and other elements of the text.  Listening to children read and asking them deeper questions linked to the text will have a positive impact on your child's development and understanding.  We hope that you will support us with this and we strongly encourage parents to regularly use the reading prompts we have developed.

Texts for older children tend to be longer so changing books once or twice a week is deemed more appropriate.  However, if you feel your child would benefit from more access to books,  please contact the school as we have a large amount of books that you can borrow.  Doing this twice a week, minimises time and impact on staff whilst they are teaching and working with children. 

See our Reading Hub more information about how you can support your child at home

NHS advice and guidance here

A community Facebook page has been set up to bring together past pupils of Pilling St John's CE Primary School. There will be a special event held at School in 2026, where past pupils can spend a special evening in school and meet up with old friends & family. 

Take a look at the Facebook page here