An Abbey Wood mum has sparked a fierce debate after complaining her Year 4 child is being given homework to do every night, and each weekend.

Jennie Pellegrino said the weekends are "family time" and said that children are "entitled to rest."

Her child had just started Year 4 alongside other eight and nine year-olds when they were handed a note outlining the homework requirements, including practising times tables every weeknight.

It read: "Homework is given every Friday and should be handed in for marking on a Monday."

Jennie took to a local Facebook group to exclaim her surprise that pupils at Alexander McLeod Primary School in Abbey Wood, were expected to do work over the weekend.

She wrote: "Do they except the children to do the homework over the weekend or do they mean the following Monday?

"Surely after five days in school they are entitled to some rest.

"The weekends are family time when we spend time together, visit friends and unwind after a long week."

Jennie added: "I much prefer the homework being handed out on a Monday and then I can break it down over the week.

"If you work you are entitled to time off so I think children should have the same right."

Jennie's comments sparked a flurry of mixed responses on social media.

Laurence Pryke backed Jennie and said: "Perhaps a collective boycott is in order. Good luck."

Maria Burger added: "That's mad. Infants had spellings every Monday but juniors have it on a Friday which is much better."

Jodi Khetia said: "Even full time workers get two days off a week.

"Maybe speak to the head and raise your concerns. You have a valid point.

"I agree that weekends should be fun wind down days."

But, others disagreed and accused some parents of "going soft."

Zeliqa May said: "I can't see the harm in a small amount of homework over the weekend.

"Makes accepting the work you have to do as you move on up the years much easier to cope with.

"I think people are going soft."

Mikey McAuley added: "Not being funny but Year 4 homework doesn't take that long.

"If you can't find 30 to 45 minutes over a whole weekend to help your child..."

Lisa Reed said: "With the competition that lies ahead for these poor kids in the future as adults, I would say study, study and study and never stop. It is a sad future ahead otherwise."

The headteacher at Alexander McLeod Primary School has been contacted for comment.