Holiday change could lead to cheaper family breaks

FAMILIES in England could benefit from cheaper holidays under plans to cut the school summer break and add a week earlier in the year instead.

One council wants to examine proposals to create a ‘stand alone’ week off when going away is less expensive.

The high cost of holidaying during the school break often leaves families with the choice of paying more or running the risk of a fine by taking their child out of school during term time.

In Brighton, the city council may look at moving part of the six-week summer holiday to another period such as March.

Time set aside for staff training – known as inset days – could also be lumped together to create a long weekend or even a full week’s break at a time when most other schools are still in operation. Councillors will consider on Monday whether to discuss the options with local schools.

Tom Bewick, chairman of the UK children, young people and skills committee, said: ‘If there is something we can do to offer lowerincome families in particular the chance to take holidays that would otherwise be unaffordable, then I think it’s worth exploring.’

If approved, the Brighton proposal could pave the way for other authorities to follow suit, although each council would have to pick a different week in order for the system to work.