NASUWT lobby against five term year in Nottingham

NASUWT members from Dales ward in Nottingham lobbied Councillor David Mellen on Saturday morning against the introduction of a five term year in Nottingham. 18 members, more than 25% of our members in the ward, gathered for a briefing before meeting the councillor to outline our reasons for remaining, with every other local authority in the country, on a three term year. The Nottingham Post sent a reporter to the event.

Members said that 8-9 week terms were too long for pupils, particularly in primary, the summer holiday was a vital break for children; the decision by county schools and city academies to remain on the 3 term year would lead to chaos for parents; opposition by pupils themselves to the five term year; and lack of robust evidence for the change.
You can read more about our opposition the five term year in the Nottingham Post article here: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Union-claims-school-term-shake-undo-hard-work/story-15959287-detail/story.html

At a briefing before the lobby members of NASUWT were most concerned about the damage to childrens’ education that such a change could have. The City Council are taking a risk with this proposal, and have admitted that if it doesn’t work they will be forced to return to the 3 term year.
NASUWT members are encouraged to lobby their own councillors and to get involved with their Local Association in Nottingham which meets on Wednesday 9 May at 5.30pm in the East Midlands Regional Centre, Colliers Way, Phoenix Park, NG8 6AT.
For more information contact:
Stewart Halforty
Organising Assistant
NASUWT East Midlands
07584 213098