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Two-week half terms divide parents and teachers amid changing school calendars
Überblick
The introduction of two-week half terms by some schools and local authorities in England has created mixed reactions among parents and teachers. While some families praise the longer break for offering cheaper holidays and wellbeing benefits, working parents often struggle with childcare challenges and fragmented term dates, especially as the growth of academies leads to varying academic calendars.
Wichtige Punkte
- Several local authorities and academies have introduced two-week half terms, often shortening the summer holidays in return.
- Parents face significant childcare and logistical challenges, particularly those with rigid working hours or children attending schools with differing holiday dates.
- Some working parents find the longer break beneficial for booking cheaper holidays outside of peak summer season.
- Teachers and school staff generally support the two-week break, citing reduced staff sickness absence and better recovery time during intense autumn terms.
- Surrey County Council briefly switched to a two-week half term before deciding to return to one week following concerns raised by head teachers.