Poor feedback on school holiday dates consultation by council

Just five responses were received to an Angus Council consultation on the dates of school terms and holidays.

Parents, carers, school staff and unions were asked for their input as the council sought to fix dates for the 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 years.

The council’s children and learning committee authorised the consultation exercise in June and it was subsequently undertaken in August and September.

In a report to councillors, the council’s head of schools and learning, Pauline Stephen, said: “Five responses were received in total from parents and staff.

“This low response rate is likely due to the fact that the proposed term time structure follows an established pattern which has previously been subject to extensive consultation.

“80% of respondents agreed with the proposed school terms and holiday dates.

“20% of respondents disagreed in small part with the proposed school terms and holiday dates.

“This was principally concerning the fixing of the St Andrew’s Day holiday to the first Friday after 30 November, especially when 30 November falls on Saturday or Sunday,” the report added.

In 2019-20 the school terms will run from August 14 to October 4, October 21 to December 20, January 6 to April 3 and April 20 to June 26.

The following year the terms will run from August 12 to October 2, October 19 to December 23, January 6 to April 2 and April 19 to June 24.

In 2021-22 the terms will be August 11 to October 1, October 18 to December 22, January 10 to April 1 and April 19 to June 29.