Commenting on plans to trial an extended school day in Wales, Laura Doel, Director of NAHT Cymru said:

“There may be some educational benefits to reforming the school year and we are open to discussions on what those benefits may be. However, we have yet to be provided with any evidence that supports extending the school day.

“All the focus from the government has been on the school day fitting in with family life and working patterns, with no mention of the education benefit to learners. All the evidence available suggests that there is little or no data that supports keeping learners in school for longer because longer periods in school does not increase a child’s capacity to learn.

“If the government’s plan is to support working families with a national childcare offer, then they should come out and say that. Schools are not childcare providers and our profession of dedicated school leaders, teachers and support staff should not be expected to take on additional work and responsibility to do this. The profession is trying to support learners with covid recovery, focus on curriculum development and ALN reform, prepare for new assessment and Estyn arrangements and deal with the implications of exams and new qualifications. When schools are under so much pressure as it is, I do not understand why this is even a priority at the moment.

“We urge the government to be honest and clear with the profession about the motivation behind reforming the school day.  If it is about childcare, then they need to direct that conversation with those who work in that field and allow school leaders to focus on their core business of teaching and learning.”