Archived decisions
School Year 2010/2011 Comments
"The children definitely need two weeks at Christmas. The year R children are very tired. Also a chance for illness to subside. Do not like the LGA model. Clearly `thought' through by `suits' who do not work with young children on a day-to-day basis!"
Infant School
"(Referring to CoSWP model) This is the overwhelming feeling of the staff here. Although one or two people with children in other authorities are keen to stay in step, virtually all others feel that to have such a short holiday at Christmas would really have a negative effect on their work-life balance."
Primary School
"It is important we have at least two weeks at Christmas; and preferably giving us some time after the new year. The last three years has seen our absence rate go up dramatically at the beginning of the spring term as the children are tired when they return to school and pick up viruses really easily. We also think it is important for staff to have a full six weeks in the summer - so neither option fits, but the Hampshire model is slightly better. This has been endorsed by the Full Governing Body."
Primary School
"As a Governing Body, we feel it is important to stick to two weeks at Christmas for staff and children to get a break. We would have wanted to see six weeks in the summer as well to ensure our staff are well rested and to allow for building projects to be completed."
Infant School
"I doubt very much that there will be any children in school from 25 - 27 of July as parents will booking holidays for these dates. ...... strongly feels that both two weeks at Christmas and a full six weeks in the summer should be possible to organise and presents the best option to support both teacher's well being and parent's holiday plans."
Primary School
"Neither option was particularly well supported. Staff expressed a preference for a later finish in the autumn term (CoSWP) break 22nd with a return to work 5th January 2011 or LGA - slightly earlier return in September with a return on 5th January giving a two week Christmas holiday in keeping with LA principle."
Secondary School
"Staff feel very strongly that both options are poor. The LGA model, which breaks up for Christmas on the 22nd of December, is far too late. Children will be exhausted and staff with families will find it very difficult that year. It is anticipated that absence levels prior to the 22nd would be higher. The HCC model is also problematic and staff were very unhappy with the proposal to break up on the 27th of July. Again, it would make an extremely long term for pupils and impact on family holidays. Although the following term would start later, there was a concern that schools would get caught in the trap of later July finishes and September starts. We would urge that a third option be explored as neither model is preferred."
Junior School
"I have consulted staff and there is very mixed feedback about both models - neither very positive. The general consensus being that neither models provided much of an advantage."
Primary School
"22nd of July is a much more reasonable date to break for summer given the dates for public examination results in August"
Secondary School
"Although we understand the desire to have two weeks at Christmas, the advantage for the children, is if the additional days follow on after the new year so they have a chance to play with toys etc. Likewise a longer summer is better now that the SATs finishing by mid-May make the summer term seem so long."
Primary School
"We acknowledge Hampshire's commitment to providing a two week break at Christmas, but would prefer a model that gives time after Christmas Day and an earlier finish to the end of the summer term."
Infant School
"Prefer shorter Christmas break and full six week summer holiday break - children should be able to fully relax over the summer."
Primary School
"There was a very strong feeling that extending the summer term when children and staff are tired and ready to finish would be a mistake. Teachers were also keen to have six weeks holiday over the summer."
Primary School
"We do not want a week off before Christmas - so prefer the start time of the 23rd December from the LGA Model. We would still like to have a two week holiday at Christmas so would suggest that the three days are added to the end of the break - giving a 6th January return. If this cannot be accommodated, we want the LGA model."
Secondary School
"Staff strongly feel that they do not want the summer term to go on until the 27th July. We do not see the benefit in our school and certainly not in secondary schools. We also feel that to finish on the 17th December is too early. It would mean starting Christmas rehearsals even earlier than this year and parents will not thank us for having children wound up and ready for Christmas at home a week before the event."
Infant School
"Overwhelming support for the two whole weeks at Christmas by 100% of our staff. This holiday is important to them as it's time to receive and visit family from around the country. Our governors support the views of the staff."
Junior School
"Governors noted the problem seems to stem from the timing of the bank holidays at the end of the Easter holiday. The result is actually that the Easter holiday is longer than usual. Would it not be possible to shorten the Easter holiday so as to avoid the problem?"
Junior School
"Although this model (LGA) has a later Christmas holiday start date and less time over the Christmas period, finishing so late in July is unacceptable. This would result in higher absence figures as more parents would seek holidays in July. We would use inset days during that year around the Christmas dates to lengthen the holiday period for families."
Primary School