What support will the Welsh Government provide for parents having to adjust their childcare circumstances in the event that the school holidays are altered via the reform of the school year?
We understand the challenges that families can face over the school breaks whilst trying to juggle work, childcare and other commitments. Proposals set out in the Consultation on the School Year are not about reducing school holidays and there will be no changes to the overall number of holidays for learners and teachers.
Proposed term dates for 2025/26 are outlined in the consultation, which was published on 21 November 2023 and will run for 12 weeks, closing on 12 February 2024.
We would not wish to prejudge the findings of the consultation. Any changes would be subject to the findings, and any wider concerns will be considered in alignment with the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA). Furthermore, any changes would not be implemented until the 2025/26 school year, enabling parents/carers significant opportunity to consider childcare arrangements.
This work is being carried out in collaboration with Sian Gwenllian, the Plaid Cymru Designated Member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.