Contact: Melanie Saunders, Education Officer (Secondary/14-19), telephone: 01962 846364, e-mail : [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to consult on the dates of school terms and holidays 2007/2008 as outlined in the attached report.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy (maximising life opportunities) by establishing more balanced term lengths with regular breaks. This helps schools and families to plan learning more effectively. It also supports Aim 4 (building strong and safe communities) by achieving agreement on dates across the county so that schools and their communities can work effectively together in school and out of school hours.

2.2 This decision contributes to all aspects of The Children Act. Properly structured periods of learning and rest help children to remain healthy, enjoy their school time and achieve more. Children are safer in school and good attendance supports educational achievement laying the foundation for a positive contribution to society and economic well-being. The publication of dates well in advance enables families to plan holidays and arrange childcare so that school attendance need not be compromised.

3 Other options considered and rejected:

3.1 Two other options were considered.

(i) To disregard the recommendations of the LGA and schedule a traditional, three term school year in 2007/2008

(ii) To schedule a more radical pattern in which the weekend of the Whitsun bank holiday (26 May) is separated from summer half term in addition to the separation of the Easter weekend.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

None

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

None

Approved by: Date:

Councillor D A Kirk

Executive Member for Education