Wirral Council scuppers plans for standardised school holidays scheme

Apr 10 2009 By Ben Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

School holidays scheme rejected

Cllr Tony Smith, spokesman for the borough’s children’s services and lifelong learning overview committee, said he did not envisage any problems for being out of the loop and said it “would be silly” to change the status quo until the intentions were known of the borough’s Cheshire neighbours, which is now split into two authorities.

But he said: “I think something could happen in the future and we will be watching the pilot with interest.” Both Cheshire West and Chester, and Cheshire East councils have said they will be sticking to existing holiday patterns in 2010-11.

A Cheshire West and Chester spokesman added: “We will see if there is an appetite for change.

But, when this was raised in 2004, there was no appetite for change then.”

But Cllr Peter Dowd, Sefton’s cabinet member for education, is undeterred.

He said: “Those involved now all have an agreement in principle.

“An average of 83% is a substantial consensus and this will allow for better planning and make it easier for all concerned.”

Cllr Graham Wright, Knowsley’s cabinet member for children and family services, declined to comment on Wirral’s no show, but said the new model would reduce stress, the need for parents to take pupils out of school during term time, boost results and “bring an end to confusion” of varying dates across borders.

Last night Abta, which represents the travel industry, said if all schools were closed at the same time then “prices would go up” to reflect increased demand.