Watford readers react to idea of halving school summer holidays

The Welsh government is looking to modernise the school year with a “radical policy shift” and slashing summer holidays is reportedly being considered.

However, the number of holiday weeks would stay the same if the change was adopted.

While the potential restructure would only affect Wales, we asked people around Watford whether they thought it should happen in England.

Children at school. Credit: PA

One teacher said they were split on the subject, adding: “Sometimes I think it would be good to work right through July and have all of August off with an extra week over Christmas, however I know how exhausting it is for the students as well as the teachers.

“No solution is perfect, but for now I think leave it as it is.”

Many others with academic links, including former primary school teacher Sue Cafolla, were also opposed to the idea.

Annette Netty Mcconnon said that “school is not a babysitting service for working parents” and that “kids are exhausted”.

Bournemouth Beach - one of the many popular UK destinations during the summer. Credit: PA

Another reader, Jenny Houchin, said: “Not sure, but I definitely think the summer holidays should start mid-July and finish before (the) end (of) August. August weather is always rubbish.”

That’s not to say everyone was against it.

Caroline White questioned how some parents could manage childcare for “six weeks or longer” while also working.

She asked: “None of the jobs I've ever had offer enough annual leave to cover the amount of holiday school children have each year - does everyone else rely on clubs, or family or just not have to work?”

Carol Rain added: “Yes! They have way too much time in-between. At least every other month they are off… and what’s with that February half-term?”

Meanwhile some readers suggested that cutting the holidays in summer could work if there were longer Christmas breaks.