Concern July fortnight change could impact holidays

Parents have said they may struggle to take their children on holiday if a bid to scrap an early start to the summer holidays in Leicestershire is approved.

But others have argued the length of the holiday period in the county resulting from the "July fortnight", where schools break up two weeks earlier than the rest of the country, is too long.

Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council are considering options to change the school calendars, which include introducing a two-week autumn break as well as a five-week summer holiday.

Under the proposals, the summer holiday could start one week before the rest of the country rather than two, which has sparked debate among parents.

Speaking to the BBC about the proposals, many parents raised concerns about how the changes would impact the price of family holidays.

Aisha, from Beaumont Leys in Leicester, said the changes would affect her children's ability to go abroad.

"If this idea happened, I'd be very disappointed," she said.

"We are from Africa and go back in the summer for two to three weeks, but we will struggle to go on holiday if the prices get too expensive.

"You can't go to somewhere like Africa for a short time. The kids love going and I'd be sad to lose that."

In Loughborough, Jenny said she was opposed to the changes because the current summer holiday schedule was better for her disabled son.

She added: "It definitely would impact our holiday plans because normal holiday periods are too busy for my son.

"Price is a big factor too. It's around £400 cheaper to go away in the first week [of the July fortnight].

"We'd have to get help from family to go on holiday if that happens. Taking our kids on holiday would become a massive stretch."

Catherine, from Barrow upon Soar, said one of the perks of living in Leicestershire was the summer holidays.

She added: "We get our summer holidays for hundreds of pounds cheaper than everybody else.

"If this goes ahead, everyone will take their kids out of school early so they can go on holiday. We've always done this, so why change it?"

However, Amy, whose children go to school in Beaumont Leys, said a shorter summer holiday would benefit her.

She said: "These plans are much better - the summer holidays are far too long at the minute.

"We'd still break up earlier than the rest of the schools anyway. It will bring us in line with everyone else.

"Hopefully this will suit the kids too. I think it's much better."

The councils said they were looking at three options for term dates from autumn 2027 to summer 2032.

Leicestershire schools have traditionally broken up for the summer early in July - at least two weeks before the rest of the country.

The July fortnight dates back to 1965 and saw factories and businesses close for the first two weeks of July to enable workers to avoid peak holiday periods.

A six-week public consultation on potential changes will run from 20 April to 31 May.

Tim Browne, interim director of education at the council, said: "One of the main issues is we need to try and even out the terms even more. If we have two weeks in the October half-term, it will mean families can still get a cheaper holiday in July, and in October half-term.

"This will mean that children can have a better break in the October half-term, function better, and have better educational outcomes."

A Leicester City Council spokesperson previously said: "People will be asked for their views on the same three options, with our preferred option also aligning with the county.

"This will still mean that Leicester schools break for the summer holiday a week earlier than the rest of the country and we understand how important that is to local families.

"However, it is important that we consider a range of options for autumn and summer breaks and balance school terms in a way that best supports curriculum delivery and pupil engagement."

Additional reporting by Kevin Ncube

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