News

Welsh Government consults on school year changes

Published

3 years ago

November 21, 2023

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT opened a consultation about changing the school calendar on Tuesday, November 21.
The Welsh Government wants to spread breaks more evenly throughout the school year, including a 2-week half-term autumn break.
The current school calendar means that the autumn term is longer than others. Research suggests this term is tiring and challenging for learners and staff, as more teaching is squeezed into this term than any other.

CHANGES COULD BENEFIT DISADVANTAGED

The number of days of school holidays and teaching days will not change.
Some pupils, especially those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), find it difficult to return to learning after long summer breaks.
Because the summer break is long, the autumn term has to be devoted to going over things rather than advancing learning. Teachers also report more behavioural and well-being issues after the summer break.
Under the new proposal, a week would be taken from the start of the summer break and added to the October break so that staff and learners get more time to rest during the long autumn term.
Teachers and pupils will still get 13 weeks of break, but some will be moved so they happen when they provide the most benefit.
These changes would be made from September 2025, meaning schools would get a two-week break in October 2025 and a five-week summer break in 2026.

TEACHERS AND TORIES EXPRESS DOUBTS

Teachers oppose changes to an academic calendar based on the pre-industrial revolution teaching pattern of Oxford University.
Emma Forrest, NEU Assistant General Secretary Regions, Wales, and Legal Strategy, said: “NEU is disappointed that the Welsh Government has chosen this time to propose changes to the pattern of the school year.
“It’s a really difficult time in education. The education workforce has seen significant periods of change to implement the new curriculum and significant additional learning needs and Reform.
“The Welsh Government must provide a clear rationale for Reform.
“Any changes need to be evidence-based and ensure the workforce’s well-being.
“Any changes must also show how they would benefit children and young people’s learning.
“NEU Cymru will be consulting with our members over the proposals.”
Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister Laura Anne Jones MS said: “There are many issues with Labour’s plans to reform the school year, with the biggest impact potentially being felt by pupils, teachers and parents. As well as an already struggling tourism sector.
“The Labour Government must learn the lesson from their disastrous 20mph consultation and listen to parents and teachers before they move forward with any plans.
“Although we support reforming the school day, Reform to both the day and the holiday cannot take place without compelling hard evidence on why it is needed and the positive difference it would make to pupils and teachers. This must not be based on perception or opinion.”

FURTHER CHANGES PLANNED

The consultation will also explore additional changes that could be taken forward in the future, but not from 2025.
These changes include the option of moving a second week from the summer break and adding it to the Whitsun break. This would help make terms similar lengths and the summer term more consistent, making it easier for pupils to learn and teachers to plan.
In this case, GCSE and A Level results days could happen in the same week. This will be explored over the coming years in the same timeframe as the rollout of our Made-for-Wales qualifications.
The proposal would also make the spring term easier to plan for. The two-week break in the spring always coincides with Easter, which moves around.
Keeping the spring break at a constant midpoint and separating it from Easter would make the term more consistent. Easter Monday and Good Friday public holidays would still apply. Teaching time for these days would be made up elsewhere in the year.

LONG SUMMER BREAK BAD FOR FAMILIES

Looking at different school term dates is part of the Co-Operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.
Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “The long summer break can be a real strain. Families struggle to find childcare over the six weeks, and others struggle with the additional costs long summers bring. We also know our most disadvantaged learners suffer the most ‘learning loss’ from a long summer.
“There are plenty of examples of local authorities across the UK changing their school calendar to suit local needs.
“We want to make sure education works best for pupils, teachers, and families. We’re looking for people’s views on these changes and what it would mean for them.”
Designated Member Sian Gwenllian said: “The current school calendar was designed long ago, under very different circumstances. We suggest changes that could work better for everyone, but most importantly for pupils of all ages.”

PARENTS WELCOME CONSULTATION

Jason Elsom, the Chief Executive of PTA organisation Parentkind, responded: “Our recent poll of 6,800 parents in Wales revealed that most parents support a move to spread school holidays more evenly across the year, with 72% of lower-income families in favour.
“It is fair to say that the current concentration of school holidays in the summer months results in inflated childcare and family holiday costs, compounding the challenges faced during the cost-of-living crisis.
“Most importantly, this impacts the life experiences and chances of the most vulnerable of children.
“We are pleased to see this consultation by the Welsh Government.”

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

5 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.