NEU Cymru, NASUWT Cymru, Unison Cymru, NAHT Cymru, UCAC and ASCL Cymru have come together today (22nd February) to launch a petition with the Senedd, to ask the Welsh Government to withdraw plans to change the structure of the school year – which could see weeks moved from the summer holidays to the autumn and summer terms.
The education unions are asking their members to sign the Senedd petition, as they have consistently raised concerns that Welsh Government’s plans are not, and should not be, a priority for the education system in Wales. Now that the Welsh Government’s consultation exercise has closed, the education unions believe there is an opportunity to drop these plans.
Speaking about the proposals, Emma Forrest, NEU’s Assistant General Secretary responsible for Wales said:
“NEU Cymru is clear – funding of our schools, and support for our education workforce are the priorities for our members in Wales. With the new curriculum, additional learning needs reform, behaviour and attendance challenges, Welsh Government need to be supporting schools and making sure families have accessible holiday activities and free school meals, not changing the structure of the school year.”
