Strategic Core

County Hall

Martineau Lane

Norwich

NR1 2DL

Minicom: (01603) 223833

 Malcolm Reeve

MRe026ty.doc 01603 222228

30 April 2002 01603 222119

sixtermyear@norfolk.gov.uk

 To: Headteachers and Chair of Governors

 

Dear Colleague

Consultation on the Six Term Year Proposals

An Independent Commission established by the Local Government Association (LGA) has considered whether it might be possible to help schools and pupils raise educational standards by introducing a more consistent pattern of school terms and holidays. After a lengthy period of consultation, the Commission has developed a set of proposals for standardising the school year, based on six terms of broadly equal length. These proposals are set out in their report The Rhythms of Schooling. This report and the LGA's publication Guide to the Six-Term Year can be found on our schools' website http://www.esinet.norfolk.gov.uk/ A summary of the Commission's proposals is also provided on the enclosed sheet.

Discussions with neighbouring LEAs in the eastern region have indicated that they all wish to consider the Commission's proposals provided that the matter is taken forward on a regional basis. A group including representatives of each of the LEAs has drawn up the attached questionnaire to gauge the views of schools across the area. Responses received will help enable an informed decision to be taken on whether or not to implement the Commission's proposals. I would be grateful if you would complete the questionnaire and return it to Malcolm Reeve, School Effectiveness Support Officer, by no later than 30 June, 2002.

Consultation with schools is part of a broader consultation process involving diocesan authorities, professional associations, parent networks, early years partners and the business community. The exercise is not a referendum but account will be taken of all views received. Each LEA involved in the consultation exercise will analyse responses received within its own area. The outcome of the consultation, both locally and regionally, will be reported to the County Council's Cabinet which will decide whether the Commission's proposals should be adopted in Norfolk. No changes are anticipated prior to the beginning of the 2004/2005 academic year.

A second copy of this letter is included for your Chair of Governors. We are seeking a response from governing bodies and headteachers, which can be provided separately or as a collective response.

Information relating to the sixth term year proposals can also be found on our public website www.esinet.norfolk.gov.uk/sixtermyear The public site provides the opportunity for parents and staff to comment on the proposals and it would be helpful if you could inform them of this facility.

Please contact Malcolm Reeve if you require any further information.

Yours sincerely

 

Bryan Slater

Director of Education