The “homework grid” strategy requires children to perform household chores and reading and spelling tasks every day but gives them up to a month to complete maths, science and technology tasks.

This was published 11 years ago Reclaiming family time over homework gets A+ More parents put life skills over bookwork, write Phillip Ly, Nicky Phillips, Amy McNeilage.

One alternative has been the Homework Grid developed by former school principal Dr Ian Lillico. It recognises that all children need a balance in the activities they undertake.