I was delighted to hear that heads can now decide on their homework policy and hope this will lead them to get rid of it.

I cannot see any other justification for homework, unless it is: a) to teach children that bringing work home is a good idea; b) to add to the pressures many of them face trying to fit in their other activities; c) to reduce the rest they need, leading to decreased attention at school); d) to sacrifice family time; or e) to ruin the time they have with their family by creating a source of conflict.

Kirstie Negus, Haywards Heath, West Sussex.