A teaching union in Derbyshire says plans to have six rather than three terms in a school year are not welcomed by most teachers.

The National Union of Teachers says it is concerned there will be a cut in holidays but no reduction in workloads.

The county council has recommended the changes and a decision is expected on Tuesday.

Derby City Council has also said it is interested in the idea.

'Recharge batteries'

The union says teachers want to retain the current long summer break.

Bill Greenshields from the NUT said: "People are recognising the stressful nature of teaching and the ridiculous workload they are expected to cope with.

"Teachers are very protective of the six weeks in the summer which give them a chance to recharge their batteries so they can work at their best when they return."

Early start

The six-term system is designed to divide the school year into equal sized terms, with a long autumn break and a fixed Easter holiday.

This also usually means an earlier start to the school year, to which the NUT is objecting.

Wide consultation

Derby City Council, which considered and rejected the idea in the past, is now again consulting on the matter.

The city council's cabinet feels there needs to be unity across the whole county.

Chris Wynne, cabinet member for education, said: "It obviously will be a problem to have Derbyshire all around us to have the six term system and us not to.

"So we are now consulting widely with schools, staff and parents about any possible change."