To think that a lot of schools give out loads of homework because.....

[Martorana]

...they think it impresses parents,

"It must be a good school! they have three hours of homework a night"

And that they are wrong- most parents think some homework is a good idea, but they also want their children to have time to do other things.

Sunday we had three hours of crying and nagging to get three lines done. Plus a day of us planning it for him
How is that not counter productive? He's 4 for heavens sake

Agree Damn. I think it is set, though, because to get through the teaching targets, the teachers as good as require support, in terms of learning support, at home.

In schools where they expect less support, in terms of social deprivation, schools receive more funding.

Damnautocorrect You're right that is massively counter productive. What on earth had they given him that it took a day of planning?

The littlest biter is 4. She does her homework worksheet or what have you but after that she's just sitting drawing or if she wants to doing 'Mummy colouring sheets' that I've printed out. (sneaky letters and numbers)

We tend to play made up games to help her and the primary others along to be honest. Life's supposed to be fun, especially at four

That sounds awful damn

No need. Three lines are not worth putting him off writing completely :(