Plans to move Essex school holidays back a week are dividing parents across the county.
Essex County Council’s proposal aims to help families access cheaper holidays by shifting school breaks, but responses show a mix of support and scepticism about whether it will work.
The change, if approved, would not come into effect until the 2028/29 school year at the earliest.
Many parents are frustrated with rising holiday prices and strict rules on term-time absences, which can see families fined up to £640 for taking two children out of school early.
Latest figures show over 459,000 fines were issued for unauthorised term-time holidays in England during the 2024/25 academic year.
Some people doubt that moving holidays will bring real savings.
One parent said: "If all schools did this the holiday companies will merely adjust their prices accordingly."
Others call for more flexible rules.
Another parent said: "Feel like it’s about time things change – in the UK we opt in to schools. Why can’t they accept that family holidays are valuable, important and often educational and just allow each family 2 weeks per year for holidays?"
The idea also raises practical questions.
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Another parent added that it "might be problematic if you have children in different schools."
Concerns over educational impact were noted by one parent, who said: "I think a child can make up for missed work if they go on holiday, as they would if they were long term sick."
Some worry about confusion and strain on the tourism sector.
One reader added: "Many tourist venues struggle when the school holidays get messed with."
There were calls for compromise, with another reader suggesting: "It'd be better to allow 1 week per year without punishment providing that the child's attendance is over say 95% for the previous year."
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