EDUCATION bosses in Stockport are asking for parents' views on proposals that could result in longer summer holidays for primary school pupils.

Currently primary schools in the borough have a two-week Whit holiday, in late May and early June.

But now the council is to consider whether that Whit holiday should be ut to one week, to bring it in line with secondary school holidays in the borough.

Should the proposal win council backing, the extra week from the shorten ed Whit holiday would be added on to the summer break.

The proposals have been drawn up in response to informal comments from some parents, who point to childcare problems caused by the different holidays.

And now council officials have launched an online survey, in order to gauge the option that most parents support.

A spokesman for Stockport Council said: "Currently in Stockport primary schools have two weeks at Whit and secondaries have one. Then secondary schools finish a week earlier at the end of the summer term.

"The main reason for secondary school holidays is to fit around extern al exams.

"We decided to look at this because some people have suggested we see if we can get the same holidays. Ensuring that all children in the borough had the same holidays could make it significantly easier for parents - particularly those with children in he primary and secondary sectors - to provide childcare.

But the council says there may be other reasons why parents may still want to opt to keep the status quo.

The spokesman said: "One could argue that the summer holidays are already too long and that it could be worse if primary children had a week longer off school. And that could be a reason for keeping it as it is.

"Some families like two weeks at Whit because they can get cheaper flights. And some parents may like the additional week at Whit to spend time with younger children. The council is asking parents to comment on the two options - option one to maintain the status quo and option two to cut the primary school Whit holiday and make the summer holiday longer - by February 15.

The consultation is being completed through the council website. And council officials stress that those parents who do not have internet access at home can do so at any public library across the borough.

The findings of the survey will be reported to the council's school ad missions forum who will agree on the school terms and holiday dates for 200 9-10.

The decision will be published on the council `s website from April 15.