FAX TO N.U.T. REPRESENTATIVES February 2003 From Suffolk Division NUT

Suffolk does U-turn on 6-term Year

The final proposals from Suffolk LEA for term dates in 2004-2005 do a complete U-turn on the proposals for a 6-term year, which they previously claimed schools supported. The NUT consulted members last Spring and told the LEA that teachers do not support the actual dates proposed for 2004-2005. The LEA ignored this. Now, at the eleventh hour, they realise that what we said was true. Unfortunately, they have now gone back to a completely traditional pattern, and have left no time to look at any alternatives, missing the opportunity of making any improvements. Suffolk NUT's full response to the original consultations was published on www.suffolknut.org.uk. The only flexibility over which the LEA is now consulting is whether to take two days from the summer holiday to add to the Christmas break. Members should let their headteachers know their views on this, as well as contacting their local NUT Association Secretary to register their preferences. Alternatively, you can use the Feedback facility on the same Suffolk NUT website. As always, Suffolk NUT will respond to this consultation by accurately passing on what you, the members, tell us. Deadline for responding to the LEA is 28th February!

* The asterisked alternative would reduce the overall length of the autumn term and increase the length of the Christmas break.