Two week half term October results

[Newtonianmechanics]

I know there is a running thread about summer holidays. I personally like the 6 weeks as it is.

This is about extending the October half term and the impact on attendance.

However it says that the 5 days were taken elsewhere. Does anyone have a child who goes to these schools? How was this time made up?

I do think the results are quite staggering and it is something to bear in mind.

The bulk of learning is done September to December and its brutal all round.

www.unitysp.co.uk/proposals-announced-to-extend-october-half-term/

amp.theguardian.com/education/2024/feb/26/staff-absences-fell-50-after-schools-introduced-longer-half-term-break

Yes, two weeks in October would make perfect sense in Scotland. Otherwise the Autumn term is massive! But you have your summer Bank Holiday at the start of August, I think, so if you go back to school Mid-august, you don't lose the benefit of a day you don't have to take leave to go on holiday? Now our school is due back on Thursday 29th August, a late week away using Monday 26th's Bank Holiday isn't an option (unless you send them back late).

Personally, I wouldn't mind following the Scottish terms, and having the kids finish earlier in July. Recently, the weather tends to be better then anyway.

Otherwise, go the other way and extend the summer break into September, which is often lovely. Then no reason for a long break in October, and the summer term would be longer so the terms are more even. Noone's listening to me though, sadly.

Maybe they should follow Scotland. No fining here. Just common sense. If you take your kid out in term time all the time, they become concerned. If it’s for a holiday they don’t bat an eyelid.

Now then, stop all that with your common sense-English education secretaries don’t work like that!!

Just to say as well - we've had some really amazing weather in October half term (some crappy weather too) but just because it's October doesn't mean you're trapped indoors for two weeks.

My school has 2 weeks in October.

We dont get half term in Feb and only one bank holiday in May.

I think I would prefer a week in February. That Jan to April term is a long haul in rubbish weather and short days.