How much maths homework
should a primary child do?
Most primary children benefit from short, regular maths practice that is focused, corrected, and manageable.
Short regular practice usually works best
A useful starting point is 10 to 20 minutes of focused maths practice, several times a week. Younger children may need less. Older children or children preparing for SATs may need more structured practice, but it should still feel manageable.
Years 1-2
Keep practice short and practical, using counting, number bonds, simple shapes, and real objects.
Years 3-4
Build fluency with times tables, written methods, fractions, and problem solving in regular small blocks.
Years 5-6
Use structured practice for arithmetic, reasoning, fractions, decimals, percentages, and SATs readiness.
Watch for stress, not just time spent
If homework regularly ends in frustration, the work may be too long, too hard, or not corrected clearly enough. A shorter task at the right level is usually better than a long task that reinforces mistakes.