Schools to give pupils extra WEEK off so 'families can go on cheaper holidays'

Schools are planning give children an extra week off over half term so parents can afford "cheaper holidays" it has emerged.

The controversial schemes will see autumnhalf term holidays being extended from one week to two. The school days will then be slightly extended over the year in order to make up for the deficit. Critics have slammed the "ridiculous" changes and have warned they would be more about "making life easy for teachers" and that it could result in the "dumbing down" of education. They warned parents will also struggle to take time off and arrange childcare with the extra time off.

Schools that are set to launch the new scheme include North Walsham High School and Long Stratton and Long Stratton High School, which are run by the same Norfolk trust, reported MailOnline. One headteacher said the switch could help people avoid expensive holidays as well as reduce staff absences by given them a better break.

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Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education Chris McGovern told the outlet: "We have to ask what’s more important – a passport to Majorca or a passport to [children’s] futures? We need to be upping the academic demands on children. This is dumbing down.

"Children need to have shorter lessons, rather than longer lessons. They get tired during the day. They have to provide a minimum number of hours per year, so in theory they could just makes days longer and longer and the number of days shorter and shorter.

"Education is not about making life easier for teachers – it’s what’s in the best interests for children. The workload for teachers has been reduced, for example school reports are now AI-generated. In some respects, they have never had it so good."

When announcing the change, which will include adding another 10 minutes a day, North Walsham executive headteacher James Gossden said: "Over the past few years, we have had numerous requests for holidays which we cannot authorise. This would provide an opportunity for parents and carers to access cheaper holidays."

He continued: "At a time when sickness increases due to the winter months and fatigue, this would add a lengthier break into the longest term to support a reduction in absence – as students would have a greater opportunity to rest and enjoy the break.

"This would also give staff the chance for a better break and ensure less absence, thus minimising cover lessons and ensuring staff are rested, so they can continue to do an excellent job."

The majority of parents have supported the change with 78 per cent of 157 families responding favourably in a consultation. But one parent, who did not asked to be named, told the outlet: "It’s ridiculous. October isn’t when most families are taking holidays.

"I was against this because I don’t see how it’s going to benefit my kids. I’ve also got to make arrangements for them on these days, while teachers get more time off."