The determination of school term and holiday dates for community and voluntary controlled school is a statutory function undertaken annually.

That the school term and holiday dates for 2013 - 2014 as set out in appendix 1 be approved.

That schools be recommended to:

(i)         take the 5 September 2013, and 6 September 2013 as two of                        the five training days;

            (ii)        three further training day to be allocated at the discretion of the                    governors; and

            (iii)       have common one-week half-terms.

The determination of school term and holiday dates for community and voluntary controlled schools is a statutory function.

A number of schools expressed disagreement with the proposals, largely concerning the summer break being too long and the Christmas break too short.  Alternatives suggested centered on an earlier start to the school year in September allowing for additional holidays elsewhere, in particular in January to extend the Christmas term break.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 12 March 2012 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The Council has a statutory duty to determine the school term and holiday dates for community and voluntary controlled schools.  In foundation, voluntary aided schools and academies the governing body is responsible for agreeing term and holiday dates.

All maintained schools are required to be open for pupils on 190 days and Teachers must be available for work for 195 days to include 5 professional development days.

We requested that schools, governors and unions consider the adoption of the provisional school term dates as recommended by the Local Government Association plus the following training dates be adopted in Torbay:

1.    a recommendation that schools take the 5 September 2013, and 6 September 2013 as two of the five training days

2.    three further training day to be allocated at the discretion of the governors

3.    a proposal to recommend schools have common one-week half-terms

The proposals were accepted by the majority and the school term dates enclosed are recommended for approval (appendix 1).

None.