Teachers strike over school-term proposals in Nottingham
Joe Lepper
Thursday, March 29, 2012
NUT members have staged a day of strike action over plans to introduce a five-term year for schools in Nottingham, insisting the council should instead concentrate on increasing youth provision.
Nottingham City Council said the structure, if approved, would take effect from August 2013.
The council said 50 schools were affected by the strike action on 29 March, 18 of which had to close.
The NUT’s general secretary Christine Blower said: "Having different holiday times will impact on the ability of families to meet up with friends and relatives in other parts of the country.
"What does need to be reformed is out-of-school youth provision which has suffered dreadfully in recent years."
The union also claimed that despite an ongoing consultation, the council had already decided to move to a five-term year.
However, Nottingham children’s services portfolio holder councillor David Mellen disputed this.
He said: "I would urge union members to consider whether it is appropriate to be taking industrial action on this matter, especially as we remain committed to the collective consultation."
The council is looking to introduce the five-term school year in a bid to improve attainment and attendance.
Under the plans the number of school days will remain the same but the summer holiday will be shortened and longer breaks will be planned for spring and autumn.
In a statement the council said providing regular two-week holidays through the year would give pupils and staff regular "down times" and lead to a "more balanced work and rest pattern."
The consultation around the plans ends on 18 May.
