The Government has revoked the Changing of School Session Time Regulation (England) 1999. These regulations previously set out the procedures to be undertaken by the governing body of a community, voluntary controlled or community special school before making any changes in the session times of the school.
• With effect from 1 September 2011, all maintained schools are now able to manage changes to the school day under the general principle that they must act reasonably and therefore consult and give reasonable notice of the change.
• Governing bodies will still need to consult with parents, staff, local schools and the local authority on any proposal to change the school day or school sessions. As part of the process governing bodies should not forget to include staff absent on secondment, maternity leave and long term sickness. The governing body should take into account any responses before making their final decision.
• Reasonable notice of the change should be given, bearing in mind the potential impact on parents’ schedules and the contractual position on staff. Governing bodies are advised to consult their HR provider as part of the process so that any procedures that may be required to vary contracts of employment are put in place in good time.
• The impact on local transport must be considered as part of the proposal.
• Schools must open for 380 half-day sessions (190 days) in each school year, beginning from the first term - which is to start after July. This is consistent with the annual up-to-195-days required by a teacher's statutory conditions of service; the additional up-to-five-days are non-teaching work days.
• The LA is responsible for setting holiday and term dates in the case of community and voluntary-controlled schools. The term dates for foundation and voluntary-aided schools are decided by the governing body of each.
• Amendments in regulations have led to temporary reductions to the length of the school year
in 2010/11 for schools delivering the primary curriculum in 2011/12
in 2011/12 for all schools, due to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
• Sessions must allow enough lesson time to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum that includes the National Curriculum and religious education. Schools are free to decide the length of each lesson but current minimum recommendations per week are as follows:
5- to 7-year-olds – 21 hours
8- to 11-year-olds – 23.5 hours
12- to 13-year-olds – 24 hours
14- to 16-year-olds – 25 hours
• The Department for Education does not intend issuing detailed guidance but it will emphasise the need for schools to consult appropriately and serve appropriate notice. They will provide a set of FAQ’s on their website however.
• Members should contact the Representation and Advice team on 01444 472475 (select option1) if they have any queries relating to this issue.
Page Published: 05/09/2011
