A significant number of voters are advocating for schools to transition to four-day weeks by extending the duration of each day, as highlighted by a petition with over 126,000 signatures, set to be discussed by Members of Parliament on Monday. Despite the public support, the Department for Education (DfE) has expressed its opposition to this proposed shift.
Proponents argue that a four-day school week could enhance teacher recruitment and retention efforts. Conversely, the government contends that such a change would negatively impact parents, necessitating them to make alternative childcare arrangements.
The demand for this alteration will be deliberated in Westminster Hall due to the substantial number of petition signatories. The petition, initiated by an individual named Steve Smith, urges the government to mandate all schools to reduce the school week to four days while extending the duration of each day by one hour.
Joe Ryle, the director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, which advocates for shorter working hours without salary reductions, has called on MPs to support the initiative.
Ryle previously stated, “Implementing a four-day week for teachers could address the critical recruitment and retention challenges faced in our educational institutions. Without addressing the work-life balance for educators, the government’s commitment to recruit an additional 6,500 teachers in England would lose its significance.”
However, the government has dismissed the proposal. In response, the DfE emphasized that state-funded mainstream schools are obliged to offer a minimum of 32 hours and 30 minutes per week.
The DfE stated, “Reducing the school week to four days while meeting the minimum requirement would necessitate a school day of over 8 hours. Schools would need to allocate an additional one hour and 38 minutes per day across the four days to fulfill the weekly minimum requirement.
“Shortening the school week would also adversely affect parents, who may have to make supplementary childcare arrangements, reduce their work hours, or potentially exit the workforce altogether. This could place families under financial strain and have negative repercussions on the national economy.”