Cllr Paul Brading, the former Cabinet member for Education in the last Conservative administration, shares this view on the Alliance Group’s decision to change the October half term school holiday back to one week. In his own words. Ed
For November’s Full Council meeting I tabled a motion questioning the crazy decision of Cllr Andre, and the Cabinet, to remove immediately from the School Calendar, for the next academic year, the Autumn two week half term break.
Sadly the meeting took time discussing other important issues, so my motion will now be carried over to January.
Lack of consultation
My concern is that this change has been made without any consultation at all with Parents, Unions, or the wider community, which for such an important decision and change I find totally unacceptable.
Before the decision was taken, the Cabinet Member apparently spoke to some Headteachers seeking views.
No parents consulted
I have myself spoken to some Headteachers and they did receive a simple email questionnaire, and some did respond.
But as I said most importantly no parents at all were consulted, and regardless of the outcome, a comprehensive consultation should have been carried out first.
Cheaper holidays for families
I have received several contacts from parents asking me why the two-week half-term has been hastily removed. Many have benefitted from cheaper holidays and extra quality family time this October, and were planning the same for next year.
Ironically, I know there are councillors across the Chamber, who have also personally benefited in this way.
“Making sure residents are involved wherever possible”
In the draft Corporate Plan agreed at the same meeting, the Leader Cllr Peacey-Wilcox states that, “she will do all she can to run the Council in as open and transparent way as possible, making sure that the residents are involved wherever possible in key decision”.
Clearly this is not a view shared by the Cabinet?
