At The Mill Academy, we believe that consistent practice at home is key to supporting children’s progress in reading, writing, spelling, and learning at large. Our Homework & Reading policy is designed to reinforce what is taught in school, ensure comprehension, build fluency, and help grow confident and skilled readers and writers.

Reading at Home

• Every pupil will be given reading material to take home regularly. We expect children to read at least three times per week, either independently or with support from an adult.

• Reading records are used to monitor home reading. We encourage parents/carers to sign these reading logs to share progress and help school track reading habits and progress.

• Through reading at home, children are able to practise decoding, improve fluency, and develop comprehension skills. Teachers may also suggest age-appropriate books to support reading growth.

Spelling & Phonics

• At The Mill Academy, we use Read Write Inc. (RWI) for phonics and for teaching spelling. This scheme ensures that children build their knowledge of sounds, spelling patterns, and early reading skills in a systematic and rigorous way.

• Spelling words or patterns will be introduced in class, practiced regularly, and then tested bi-weekly. This regular testing helps pupils retain what they’ve learned and supports steady progress.

• Children who need extra help with spelling will receive support and may have adjusted or additional spelling lists to match their current level.

Supporting Your Child

• Parents and carers can support their child’s reading and homework by establishing a regular routine at home, including a quiet space to work and a consistent time for reading.

• Discussing books, asking questions about what has been read, or encouraging retelling of stories can greatly improve comprehension and enjoyment.

• If your child is struggling with any homework task, please let us know. Teachers are here to help and can offer support or clarifications where needed.