Teachers call public meeting on Barnsley school holiday '˜chaos'

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has called a public meeting next week to discuss the changes for Barnsley schools which are set to start from next year.

Barnsley Council announced last month that term and holiday dates for 2017 and 2018 would include a shorter summer break and a two-week break in the October half-term.

At the time Councillor Tim Cheetham, said the changes were designed to improve school results as a long summer break could lead to “learning loss.”

However the Barnsley branch secretary of the NUT has disputed these claims.

And he said the union had called a public meeting in response to concerns from parents about the disruption the planned changes would cause.

Roy Bowser the NUT Barnsley division secretary said: “These changes will not apply to all schools, as academy schools in Barnsley will be able to retain the existing arrangements.

“The effect of this will be to cause chaos for parents, especially those who have children at different schools having different holidays at different times.”

“The NUT is responding to the concerns of teachers and parents by calling a public meeting to take place on Tuesday next week “

“To date the council have not published the research or provided any evidence that shortening the school holidays is in the interests of pupils or their education.

“School holidays are an important part of childhood and play an important part in learning. Every child deserves to remember their summers for the fun they bring. Children need time to re-charge their batteries, play and spend time with their families.”

“Schools in Britain have shorter summer holidays than many other countries.

“The summer breaks is eight weeks long in Belgium, France and Norway; nine weeks in Canada; ten weeks in Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Poland and Sweden; 11 weeks in Iceland and 12 weeks in the USA.”

He said the summer break in Finland is four weeks longer than that in England, yet the country’s education system was considered to be among the best in the world.

“Private schools in the UK have longer summer holidays yet, there is no suggestion that this is disadvantageous for their pupils”, he added.

The NUT’s public meeting for parents and teachers takes place at the Priory Campus in Lundwood, Barnsley, at 5pm on Tuesday.

Last week Coun Cheetham, Barnsley Council’s ‘cabinet spokesman for people (achieving potential)’ said: “We are committed to ensuring every child in Barnsley has the opportunity to reach their full potential and get the best out of their education. The decision to alter the borough’s term times and holiday dates is based on sound research evidence that shows the maximum length of the summer break should be no more than five weeks for the best educational outcomes.

“It has been met with a largely positive response from parents and although not based on these primarily, the proposal also has potential economic benefits and advantages for working parents.

“The decision was made with full consultation from all teaching, head teacher and support staff unions and staff representatives.”