Management Information Sheet

MI Sheet 99/15 issued earlier this year explained that the Local Authority no longer fixed term dates for any school but offered a model that could be adopted by governing bodies. (Paragraph 3 of Schedule 16 to the Deregulation Act 2015 empowered Parliament to give to the governing body of each maintained school the responsibility for fixing term dates).

However, the power takes effect only upon the making of a Commencement Order and the Department for Education have very recently confirmed that no such Order will be made. The legislation was part of a drive to reduce unnecessary burdens on schools and the DfE informally consulted with a range of stakeholders both before and during the passage of the Deregulation Bill. They report mixed responses and have reflected on the concerns raised noting that there did not seem to be a significant clamour from maintained schools which do not have this power, to have this freedom. In the light of this they concluded that it would not be appropriate to commence with widening this to all schools.

Therefore, the Norfolk Model Calendar for 2016-17 now needs to be used by community schools, community special schools, voluntary controlled schools and nursery schools. It also determines the days on which school transport will be provided. Beyond this, governing bodies of foundation, voluntary aided, foundation special and free schools, and the trust of each academy continue to have the opportunity to consult on a different pattern but bearing in mind the need to minimise the impact on families, potential additional transport costs and the value of aligning term dates with our neighbouring counties.

If you have queries about this issue, please do contact Janine Birt.

Shortly, and in light of this unexpected reversal of expected national policy, the Local Authority will consult in the usual manner on term dates for 2017-18 and 2018-19.