Rearranging the existing holidays/ term dates could be considered- the children are exhausted by 2 lots of 7-8 week half-terms in the autumn, and the best weather is usually in June and July, when it’s far too hot for children to concentrate. Something approaching 4 quarters , each spilt into two half-terms (rather than 3 very unequal terms), with the longest holiday in June/July, might work. (Side note- isn’t it 190 pupil days and 195 teacher days in school?)
This shouldn’t be an argument centred on what’s easiest in terms of childcare- that’s certainly problematic, but the government should focus on improving childcare options. The benefit to the children must be the central focus, and most children are already tired by the end of the afternoon, and approaching the end of term. And it’s likely that the children who are furthest behind age-related expections, perhaps because of additional needs , are going to be the children who are least able to cope with the demands of an even more exhausting schedule.
The things that would help improve learning outcomes for children most in need of support would cost money, and are not idealogically acceptable to a Tory government. Children with additional needs should have their provision fully funded, funding should be made available for TAs, class sizes should be reduced, budgets should cover the teaching and learning resources needed. All of this would help to close the learning gaps.
Countries with the most successful learning outcomes have systems which are totally different from the UK education system, but governments never seem to want to consider options such as removing all private education, small class sizes, starting school at 7yo or giving teachers more autonomy.
Children need time after school to do other activities of their choice - sport, music, clubs, art, playing with friends, being outside.