Thousands of voters are calling for schools to adopt a four-day week with longer daily hours. This demand, supported by over 126,000 signatures on a petition, will be addressed by MPs on Monday. Despite the significant public backing, the Department for Education (DfE) has stated its opposition to the proposed change.
Advocates argue that a four-day school week would improve teacher recruitment and retention, while the government warns of negative implications for parents who would need to make alternative childcare arrangements. The issue will be debated in Westminster Hall due to the petition’s popularity, initiated by Steve Smith, urging the government to mandate a four-day school week with extended daily hours.
Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, emphasized the benefits of a shorter workweek for teachers in addressing recruitment challenges. However, the DfE has emphasized that state-funded schools are required to provide a minimum of 32 hours and 30 minutes of instruction per week, making a four-day week with extended hours logistically challenging and potentially burdensome for families.
The government’s response highlights concerns about the impact on parents if the school week is reduced to four days, citing the need for additional childcare arrangements and potential financial strains on families. Despite the calls for change, the government remains firm in its stance against implementing a four-day school week.