THE CONCEPT of the six-week summer break being cut to four-weeks in Wales has been met with a mixed response from parents.

Last week it was reported that the current model of a six-week summer holiday could be set for a shake up with a public consultation set to begin in the next academic year with Welsh Government Education Minister, Jeremy Miles saying there was an ‘openness’ to change.

This prompted a diverse reaction from local parents. Although a large number agree that the six weeks is too long, there are still a bulk of mums and dads who believe the current system should stay in place.

Paula Roberts said: “Good. It’s too long, the kids get bored, parents haven’t got the money”.

Whilst Tamzin Bithell added: “I think four weeks in the summer is just enough. It has been said by many parents and professionals for so long that the summer holidays are far too long for children.”  

Yasmin Knox also claimed: “Summer holidays do need to be shorter, if you are a full-time working parent, you don’t have enough holidays in the year to have off with the children for all the half terms and school holidays.”

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On the other hand, there are many who believe that the current summer holidays in place shouldn’t be changed.

Emma Jones argued: “Summer holidays is when kids can truly grow and have the best memories. We all as adults reflect on the awesomeness of breaking up for summer.”

Whilst Carl Wright said “the six-week summer holiday was the highlight of being in school, don’t take that away from the kids.”

The proposed changes were met by strong criticism by Teaching Unions in Wales, with Neil Butler, national officer for the NASUWT Teachers Union saying: “My father used to tell me: 'if it aint broke, don't fix it'.”