The Isle of Wight Council is considering reverting back to a 2-week October half term, but it will mean a shorter Summer holiday for Island children.
In 2017, the council consulted local people about a change to the school holiday calendar and, as a result, decided to extend the autumn half term from 1 week to 2 weeks, and reduce the Summer holiday accordingly.
From 2018 to 2021, a 2-week half-term was adopted, with the Summer holiday 1 week shorter.
This year, following consultation with schools, the half-term holiday will revert to being 1 week long. Children will end on Friday 21st October and return on Monday 31st October (Halloween). The term will begin on Tuesday 1st September.
Before making any more changes the Council is asking schools, parents and Island residents to give their views about the school holiday calendar. A consultation has been launched, with the possibility of returning to a 2-week autumn half term as one of the options.
Councillor Debbie Andre has said:
“I know the timing of the school year is important, and can have a big impact on how children learn, as well as the way families plan their lives.
“Change to the autumn half term is something that has been particularly significant in the last few years, and we want to get this right for the Island.
Article continues below this advertisement “The change to a two-week half term was disrupted by the pandemic in 2019 and 2020.
“There have also, as a result of the pandemic, been changes in parental working patterns and shifts in the work-life balance of many households.
“We’re listening to the views of families and pupils, schools and local communities before we make any changes; and we are actively seeking those views through a new consultation.
“So I encourage everyone to fill in our short online survey – we really want to hear from Island residents.”
You can fill in the survey at https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Schools-and-Learning/Schools/Consultations3. The survey will be open until 18th March 2022.
Isle of Wight School Holidays – 2021-22 (as it stands)
Autumn Term
31st August 2021 – 21st December 2021 (based on the additional day being approved)
(Half term 18th October – 29th October 2022)
Spring Term
4th January 2022 – 8th April 2022
(Half term 21st – 25th February 2022)
Summer Term
25th April 2022 – 22nd July 2022
(Half term 30th May – 3rd June 2022)
Isle of Wight School Holidays – 2022-23 (as it stands)
Autumn Term
1st September 2022 – 16th December 2022
(Half term 24th October – 28th October 2022)
Spring Term
3rd January 2023 – 31st March 2023
(Half term 13th February – 17th February 2023)
Summer Term
17th April – 21st July 2023
(Half term 29th May – 2nd June 2023)
I for one will be pleased, I think it gives families the ideal opportunity to have that last holiday before the weather really changes.
Didn’t listen to the public when they changed back from 2 week to 1 week. They just assumed they knew better and were desperate to be back aligned with the mainland.
We had a great (affordable) break last year in October half term, but won’t be this year thanks to council.
Why can’t we bring the six week summer holidays forward by one month so the kids can enjoy the weather. As we all know that August is always a complete wash out, going into autumn.
After all, that’s what the Scottish do.
The cost of this pointless chop and change exercise please?
I thought kids went to school to learn. What the hell is there for kids to do at the end of October?I day in October and February, 2 days in may/june and a shorter summer holiday.
Wtf, do not compute ?
Do you mean weeks and not days ?
Did you go to school and learn ?