Q&A

Your questions answered by Education Correspondent Kathryn Holmquist

My kids (all in primary school) hate homework. We have an au pair who is supposed to supervise, but I often get home late from work to find the homework isn't done. I'm tired and they're tired.

Forty per cent of children live in families where both parents work outside the home. The other 60 per cent are having their homework supervised by somebody else. The solution is difficult. Homework clubs in schools are an ideal solution.

Otherwise, you need to find childcare where limits and boundaries on homework are strictly established. A good childminder will offer this, either in your home or hers. There's a schedule: come in from school, have a snack, do the homework then get the reward (TV, PlayStation, whatever). Getting everyone to bed early, then tackling homework in the morning before school, can be effective, but it takes discipline. Going over maths while also looking for shoes and socks isn't the most productive approach.

The only other way is to supervise the homework when you get home from work, by which time you are tired and they are tired and you'd rather spend quality time, rather than fighting over homework.

Homework - which is really revision - is an important part of primary school, but primary school hasn't caught up with the fact that lots of children do not have anyone suitable to help them do it.

What should we be looking for in a secondary school?

The school can be State or private, that's not what matters. You need to look for good pastoral care, a psychological service, small pupil-teacher ratios, a wide range of courses, extra help with learning for students with difficulties, high-quality sporting facilities, arts programmes, well-equipped labs (especially important with the the new Junior Cert science syllabus, see opposite page), committed teachers, guidance counselling and a nurturing atmosphere.

If you have a choice of schools, a school close to home will help your child to make and keep friends. However, this has to be balanced against other qualities the school offers.

In choosing a secondary school, you should certainly visit and take the measure of the place. Your child should also have a chance to look around and ask questions.

Your child's primary school teacher and principal may also be willing to offer advice on the best choice for your child.

If your child needs learning support, you need to be certain that the secondary applies in plenty of time for resources - the sooner the better.

e-mail your questions to kholmquist@irish-times.ie