Suffolk does U-turn on 6-term Year

The latest 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 people supported. The NUT said as long ago as last summer that teachers would not support the actual dates proposed for 2004-2005. Now, at the eleventh hour, the LEA realise that what we said was true. How did we get it right? - We asked our members! Unfortunately, the LEA has now gone back to a completely traditional pattern, has left no time to look at any alternatives, and has missed the opportunity of making any improvements at all! The NUT's full response to the consultations has been published on www.suffolknut.org.uk. The only flexibility upon which the LEA is now consulting is over whether to take two days from the summer holiday to add to the Christmas break. Members should let their headteachers know their views, as well as contacting their local NUT Association Secretary to give their preferences. Alternatively, you can use the Feedback facility on the same Suffolk NUT website. As always, Suffolk NUT will respond to consultations on the basis of what our members tell us.

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