Norfolk schools extend October half-term to two weeks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 12:31 · Archive

Growing numbers of Norfolk schools are moving to two-week October half-terms, citing staff and pupil wellbeing but raising childcare concerns for working parents.

Growing numbers of academy trusts in Norfolk are moving to two-week October half-terms to support staff and pupil wellbeing. Unity Schools Partnership, which runs 40 schools across the east of England, introduced the extended break in 2023 and has since seen a fall in the number of days lost to sickness absence for staff.

Dominic Norrish, chief executive of Unity, said the move appears to be increasingly popular locally. He noted that other trusts tend to follow when one moves, describing it as making sense for many reasons if the impact can be proven. Robert Kett Primary School in Wymondham and Breckland School in Brandon are among schools that have adopted the extended break.

However, Mr Norrish acknowledged the change is not universally popular with families, as it creates a longer period when children are not in school, which is particularly challenging for working parents. Childcare organisations have echoed these concerns. Lydia Hodges, head of the Coram Family and Childcare charity, noted that holiday childcare costs an average of £191 per week in Great Britain, representing a substantial cost for many families.

How it is being reported

• Childcare fears across Norfolk as schools adopt two-week October half-termGrowing numbers of schools are moving to a two-week October half-term, raising fresh concerns about childcare for working parents.Norwich Evening News · 19 Oct, 11:48
• Childcare fears across Norfolk as schools adopt two-week October half-termGrowing numbers of schools are moving to a two-week October half-term, raising fresh concerns about childcare for working parents.Eastern Daily Press · 19 Oct, 11:48

In this story: Unity Schools Partnership · Dominic Norrish · Robert Kett Primary School · Wymondham · Breckland School · Brandon · Lydia Hodges · Coram Family and Childcare

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