Cabinet is due to consider a Notice of Motion relating to moving half term holidays in Pembrokeshire today (Monday).

Councillor Tessa Hodgson has requested that the County Council carry out a study looking into the possibility of moving half term holidays either forward or back one week, so they do not coincide with other Welsh authorities.

In her supporting submission, Cllr Hodgson said: “Parents are now facing fines for taking children out of school during term time, yet travel and hotel prices in the school holidays can be prohibitively expensive. If Pembrokeshire school holidays were staggered against those of other local authorities parents could take advantage of lower prices offered by travel companies during the off peak weeks.

“This may help to reduce unauthorised absences from our schools and also benefit teachers and support staff.”

Cllr Hodgson realises that there may be some constraints on this proposal, such as exam timetables and bank holidays in the summer term.

In her Cabinet report, the Director for Children and Schools, Kate Evan-Hughes said there would be no purpose in the authority considering making changes to its half term holidays as this “may be contrary to Welsh Government requirements.”

The recommendation to Cabinet, which is due to meet on Monday, February 9, is not to adopt the Notice of Motion.