CHILDREN across Worcestershire are looking forward to Friday, when their schools break up.

Ahead lies not only the excitement of Christmas, but two whole weeks without school.

But for many of them, there will be the looming threat of having to get homework finished by the time they go back on Tuesday January 3.

Home education provider Oxford Home Schooling has found that 13 per cent, more than one in eight, of primary school children in Britain are spending more than five hours a week on homework.

And their study suggests that children in primary school can get just as stressed as secondary pupils over exams - a third of primary school parents believe their kids are stressed about their exams, while two in five (40 per cent) parents of pupils aged between five and 11 feel there is too much pressure on their children to perform academically.

Dr Nick Smith, Principal at Oxford Home Schooling, said: “It will be a shock to some to find out that almost as many primary school children are stressed by exams as secondary school pupils. Although school is a place for learning, in primary education it’s just as important to allow children to feel comfortable, so that they can learn more efficiently and effectively.

“The classroom itself can be a stressful setting for many, and that can stick with children for a long time. It’s therefore very important for parents and teachers to recognise when a child is stressed and find alternative ways of helping them cope. Home schooling can be one of the most effective ways of doing this.”

At least one primary school teacher believes holiday homework is not beneficial for younger children. The teacher, from Yorkshire, said: "With the Christmas break coming up, many primary schools will be setting work to be completed at home, but doing so can create stress during a supposedly relaxing period.

“The children are worked hard enough during term time and holidays are supposed to be when they can just enjoy being young and have some fun. During the holidays, kids can spend more time with their friends, playing sports or spending time with family, and through these important formative years, such activities play a valuable role in helping a child grow up.

“Children can learn the value of teamwork and communication through sport, while learning social skills and developing maturity while at family gatherings. All these beneficial parts of life are shortened or even removed if homework is set for the holidays.”

For advice on how to approach exams for parents and home schooling tutors, visit https://www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk/blog/preparing-home-schooled-children-exams/