Five-term plan for Nottingham schools to be reconsidered

Teachers held three one-day strikes in March and April

Nottingham City Council has agreed to reconsider plans to switch to a five-term school year after talks with a teachers union.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) opposed the changes, which included a shorter summer break, and held a series of strikes earlier this year.

Now the authority has said it will meet with all school trades unions to look at "alternative models".

It follows talks between the two sides led by conciliation service Acas.

Nottingham City Council said altering the school year would boost attainment, but the NUT viewed the change as disruptive.

A joint statement said: "Following constructive discussions, under the auspice of Acas, over proposed changes to school terms and holidays pattern, it has been agreed that a further meeting will be called with all of the schools trade unions to look at alternative models of terms and holidays.

'Progress made'

"The outcome of these discussions will then be considered by executive councillors.

"The NUT has agreed to suspend any further industrial action while discussions are ongoing. Collective agreement on a way forward is still being pursued by all parties."

David Mellen, portfolio holder for children's services, said: "I am pleased that progress has been made in our aim to best meet the needs of our city children in the way our terms and holidays are arranged."

Christine Blower, NUT general secretary, said: "I am pleased that the NUT has reached agreement which provides for all options to be considered, to form part of constructive negotiations which will now involve all unions representing school staff."