WQ90000 (e) Tabled on 30/11/2023

Further to WQ89816, what consideration has the Minister given to families outside of lower socioeconomic groups who are concerned about the potential rising cost of holidays abroad, in light of the proposals to change school holidays?

Answered by Minister for Education and the Welsh Language | Answered on 08/12/2023

Further to WQ89816, the Consultation on the School Year was published on 21 November and will run for 12 weeks, closing on 12 February 2024. It is important to note that proposals set out in the consultation are not about reducing school holidays and there will be no changes to the overall number of holidays for learners and teachers and families outside of the lower socioeconomic groups.   

Any changes to the school year, would therefore 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 an opportunity to consider holiday arrangements for all concerned.

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.