A teacher has backed Kirstie Allsopp's controversial opinion on homework - and called it an "attack on childhood". Jennifer Horgan, 42, rarely sets homework because she believes it's "unnecessary" and said giving five-year-olds the work is "bonkers".
TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp caused a stir over the weekend when she urged parents to "enjoy the weekend" and said homework is a "waste of time". English and ethics teacher Jennifer, a secondary teacher from Cork, Munster, Ireland, said: "Childhood is the only time in our lives where we don't have responsibilities.
"It is precious time and it should be protected. "When it comes to homework, you don't have evidence to justify children doing work outside of school.
"The only positive research they found is that it promotes discipline."
Jennifer only sets homework for people who are struggling with a subject and need extensive help, or if pupils have an upcoming exam. Jennifer said homework should not be forced upon pupils but given to them if they need extra help.
She said: "I have a big issue with blanket homework. I have no problem suggesting to a child that if they are interested in a subject they can do it at home, or if they have a weakness in an area, but the idea that every child needs to be sitting down at the age of five is bonkers.
"It is something we need to think about more seriously. We need to listen to young people."
Jennifer who has been a teacher for 18 years, and previously taught in the UK, said the homework policy in the UK is stricter than in Ireland. She said: "In my earlier years as a teacher, I did give out homework particularly when I worked in the UK - it was taken very seriously.
"I had to chase people up if they didn't do it, give them a detention, it was a huge waste of time, and my time would be better spent planning lessons."
Earlier this month Irish President, Michael D. Higgins called for homework to be banned in the country. He said: “I think myself, really that the time at home and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things.”
While Jennifer agrees home should be where a student gets to have fun and be creative, she disagrees with a complete blanket ban. She said: "It is problematic - one issue is that our schools in Ireland are very different.
"Boarding schools spend up to three hours in supervised study every night - there is a sense that if my child doesn't do homework they will fall behind. At the same time, it will only work if everyone is onboard as you don't want to deepen the divide between people who are more privileged.
"There needs to be more research into the issue. I am against the blanket ban but I am also against compulsory homework.
"I would want parents to work in consultation with schools. There is a danger of the state being overly involved in education."
Kirstie Allsopp said at the weekend: "Find a book, cuddle up and read it together, or watch Winterwatch, or cook something with kids doing all the weighing & chopping. Then put that in the homework diary & enjoy your weekend with your kids.
"There is nothing better for children than spending time with you, talking, doing & learning at the same time. Following a recipe is reading, maths, science & fine motor skills in one activity."
