Homework Clubs – Supporting Young People to Succeed in School
Helping Students Thrive Through Structured Homework Support
SICAP | Clare Local Development Company | Ennis
Building brighter futures: Homework Clubs
Supporting young people to succeed in school - Boosting learning and confidence across Clare communities
Project
Snapshot
- Programme: SICAP (Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme)
- Location: Throughout County Clare
- Participants: 6 schools (Ennis, Kilkee & Kilrush)
- Referrals:School Principals, Home School Liaison Officers and School Completion Project Officers
- Partners: Ennis Educate Together National School, Scoil Chríost Rí, Holy Family Junior & Senior Schools, Ennis Community College, Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, St. Senan’s Primary School Kilrush, Scoil Réalt na Mara Kilkee and Gaelscoil Uí Choimín
Overview
Why This Project Was Needed
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Since 2014, Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), has supported a network of after-school Homework Clubs in communities across County Clare. These clubs provide young people with a welcoming, structured space to complete homework, build confidence, and develop positive study habits that support long-term educational progress.
Young people and families can face a range of everyday challenges when it comes to homework and study, including busy home environments, language differences, or limited access to dedicated study space and support. Homework Clubs help ease this pressure by offering a calm, supportive setting where students can focus, get help when needed, and build confidence in their learning.
What We Did
One-to-one
Support from trained tutors who can explain tasks, encourage children & model good study habits
Help with focus
Time‑limited sessions that keep homework focused & manageable, often with a healthy snack to support concentration
Communication
Ongoing with schools so that club activity reinforces classroom learning & supports overall school attendance.
Six Ways Homework Clubs Transform Student Success
Stay on top of homework with structured support
Ask for help instantly when stuck on tough questions
Learn alongside friends in a calm, fun environment
Enjoy stress-free evenings with work already done
Boost test scores & organisation through better habits
Gain confidence for stronger class participation
IMPACT & OUTCOMES
- Students stay on top of homework, ask for help when stuck, and enjoy relaxed evenings at home.
- Better organisation, higher test scores (spellings/tables), and more class confidence.
- Parents get breathing room from homework stress, freeing up family time.
- Stronger school-family ties boost attendance and community involvement.
Learning & Future Potential
The CLDC Homework Club provides support for Senior Infant pupils in our school. It helps pupils to establish positive homework routines, a sense of achievement & confidence, as pupils know their homework has been completed, in line with all other pupils in the class.
What Worked
School partnerships for easy referrals
Tutors boost confidence one-to-one
Proven results in testimonials
Future Potential
More rural Homework Clubs
Longer sessions, more sites
Acknowledgements
Heartfelt thanks to the participating DEIS schools and Home School Liaison Officers in Ennis, Kilrush and Kilkee, along with all tutors and the CLDC SICAP Homework Club team for their ongoing support and commitment.
