Worried that your child's not getting enough homework, or has too much to handle? Navigate the homework minefield and find out how you can help

My child's been at school for six hours, why does he have to do homework too?
Schools are expected to set homework as part of the government's education policy. Homework is intended to consolidate and reinforce what is learnt in the classroom, especially in literacy and numeracy. In the early years of primary school, homework is also a way to involve parents in a child's learning, but by years 5 and 6, children are expected to begin working independently and so encouraging self-discipline and organisation. By Year 6 the ability to study on their own is regarded as an important preparation for the move to secondary school.

How much homework should my child be getting?

• Years 1 and 2: one hour per week.
• Years 3 and 4: one and a half hours a week.
• Years 5 and 6: 30 minutes a day.

These are recommended times only, and different schools have different expectations. Homework should not get in the way of after-school activities like sports and clubs.

If your child is struggling to complete the work and becoming upset, take a break and try again later. If it's still a battle, leave the homework and write an explanatory note for the teacher. If your child has a run of 'off' days, it's worth talking to the teacher and reassessing the amount and level of homework being set.

Homework is supposed to foster an interest in learning, not be a joyless chore. In fact, an Ofsted report concluded that children who achieve most are those who have a positive attitude to homework. Equally, if your child is filled with enthusiasm and wants to do more that's great, but make sure they also have time to switch off too.

What homework will be set?
For Years 1 and 2, the main focus of homework is reading with and to you. Your child will probably have a reading record in which you should record the title of the book, or in chapter books how many pages were read, and whether or not she enjoyed it. In addition, children may be set some words to learn in preparation for a spelling test at the end of the week and a maths activity, for example counting to 20 in even numbers, adding in threes or calculating a couple of money sums.

In Years 3 and 4, reading is still an important part of homework but if your child can read unaided you don't need to hear each word, just ensure he is reading before bedtime and that he's understanding and enjoying his book. Spelling, particularly linked to school topics, and maths homework - often memorising times tables - will still be set. Your child may also be asked to carry out simple research on a topic they are covering within class.

In Years 5 and 6, children are expected to spend at least 20 minutes every evening reading. In addition to spelling and mental maths homework, they may be expected to spend two 30 minute periods of intensive study on a set topic. They will also be expected to research subjects, using the local library and the internet.

Homework is not intended as a mopping up operation for a teacher who didn't organise lesson times properly. Occasionally there will be times when children have to finish work, but this should not be the norm. They may also be expected to do some preparation work for a classroom topic, for example, researching details for their own family tree. There should be a properly set and marked homework programme that complements classwork and matches the expectations of what your child is capable of.

How can I help?
Homework is an opportunity for teachers, pupils and parents to work together. You can help your child by offering guidance and support, particularly in the infant years when they won't be expected to do work unaided.

• Make sure they are relaxed and refuelled before beginning any homework in a quiet atmosphere with the TV switched off.
• Homework works best for your child and you if you set a clearly defined time and routine, for example, after tea and before play, and stick to that routine as much as possible.
• Make sure you encourage confidence with specific praise - not just 'you're clever' but 'I like the way you did that...'
• Chat about homework with your child, including feedback from teachers.