HOLIDAY ‘IS TOO LONG’

TWO thirds of parents think the school summer holidays should be shorter.

As kids break up for six weeks, a study has found 71% of parents think their child’s academic ability drops over the hols.

And four in 10 believe children forget what they learnt during the school year, the survey by tuition provider, Explore Learning, discovered.

Half of Brit parents said they struggle to get time off over the extended break and 46% said childcare for this extended period is challenging. Finances are strained as over a third struggle to find and pay for childcare, and 39% find it hard to afford family holidays as they are so expensive.

Keeping children entertained is another battle with 43% finding it difficult to keep their children busy and 59% of parents saying their children get bored.

Charlotte Gater, of Explore Learning, said: “Six weeks is a long break so it’s understandable that parents are concerned.

“Parents recognise this and believe that reading, writing and maths should be kept in routines in some way.”