PLANS to standardise term times across Merseyside schools appeared to be in tatters last night.

In October, it was confirmed the Learn Together Partnership – a collaboration of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton, Warrington and Wirral education departments – was to consult on plans to scrap traditional Easter holidays and “introduce a standardised school year across the region from 2010/2011.” But the Daily Post can reveal that, despite winning region-wide consensus from parents, teachers, unions and church leaders, Wirral council has snubbed the idea – as it wants to wait to see what neighbouring Cheshire does.

However, despite Wirral’s absence, the remaining education chiefs remain upbeat and look almost certain to press ahead with the unified holidays model.

A combined 83% of those consulted have backed the plans which retain the three-term system, but aim to make life easier for families who live, work and go to school across council boundaries.

Currently, term times can vary, making it difficult for teachers and parents to plan ahead as the two-week Easter holiday coincides with religious celebrations. Easter Sunday can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

In the shake-up, the traditional Easter holidays will be replaced by a set “spring break” during the first two weeks of April.

If Easter falls outside that time, schools will not open on Good Friday or Easter Monday.

Schools will break up for summer towards the end of July until the end of August.

Liverpool is to pilot the plan from September, with the remaining authorities due to come on board the following year.

But last night Wirral council confirmed it will not even entertain being part of the shake- up until at least 2012.