To consider approving the calendar for school terms and holidays for community and voluntary controlled schools for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020.

To agree the proposed school term and holiday dates for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 for community and voluntary controlled schools.

It is a legal requirement of the Local Authority, as admission authority, to set term dates for community and voluntary controlled schools.

The proposed dates mirror as far as possible the dates being set by Devon County Council, to minimise cross boundary conflicts for parents and staff.  Length of terms have been made as even as possible, given the placing of public holidays.  Full weeks have been set where possible to reduce the likelihood of parents taking children out of school during term time.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 9 March 2017 (unless the call-in process is triggered as set out in the Standing Orders – Overview and Scrutiny).

Community and voluntary controlled schools are required to provide 190 days each year for teaching pupils.  5 additional days have been included in the calendar for staff training.  This gives the schools a degree of flexibility to meet local priorities.

The following officers of the Council, individuals and organisations were consulted:

Unions, Dioceses, all Schools and Academies, neighbouring Local Authorities and Council Officers (Head of Education, Learning and Skills and HR)

None