At an NAHT Union conference this week members discussed changing the school holiday structure, scrapping the long summer break. NAHT Union leader Russell Hobby raised the question about whether the 13 week term structure was healthy for staff, but threw in a possible reduction in holiday prices as the sweetener.
Earlier this year Academies and Free Schools were given permission to vary holiday times, but that really is a small number of schools, but in September this bill will be extended to all state schools.
However, it’s unlikely that many state schools will want massive changes, leaving it up to Union leaders to convince head teachers. Every school having different holidays could be a logistical nightmare for those with siblings at different schools, and for those with family around the country, but it would almost guarantee to remove the ability for holiday companies to charge more during school holidays!
The disparity between the last week the children are in school before the summer, and the first week of the holidays is massive when you look at holiday prices even though they’re just seven days apart. With many schools now cracking down on parents taking children out of school during term time, it’s becoming more difficult to get a cheap break.
The discussion about whether longer or shorter breaks are better for families is a much debated one, as is the one about holiday prices. Staggered school holidays throughout the country might throw up some inconveniences but it would guarantee a more level playing field for those wanting to book a summer break. While no one is likely to see any changes this summer, with this relaxing of the school holiday rules in September, it could all be different for 2015.
By: Kath Cross
