THE long school summer holiday should be scrapped because it has an adverse effect on children's education, says a major study.

Pupils are falling behind in class because they do not practise reading, writing and arithmetic during the six-week break, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research think-tank. And children from poorest backgrounds are most likely to suffer `summer learning loss'.

The report suggests radical changes to the traditional academic year, which would see it divided into five eight-week terms with a fortnight's holiday between each.

But many parents and teachers are opposed the proposed changes.

Ian Fenn, headmaster at Burnage Media Arts College, formerly Burnage High, said: "There's no doubt that a long term of 16 weeks with a one week break can be exhausting.

"But I would like to see what evidence they have to suggest this particular model would be better for the development of children. "Clearly it might produce better exam results, but would it produce children with a better sense of morals, as well as more social cohesion and community cohesion.

"Long holidays also help staff and pupils recharge, some call it a period of convalescence. It allows children to spend time with their families, and I personally enjoy spending more time with my own children."

The `Thursday's Child' report criticises the government for maintaining the current academic year, which was originally introduced to allow children to help with fruit picking.

It follows concerns from Ofsted that progress in raising educational standards in England has `stalled', with one in five 11-year-olds unable to master the three Rs.

Gains

Sonia Sodha, the report's author, said: "There have been many positive gains in education over the last decade but in recent years results have plateau-ed.

"If we are serious about continuing to improve outcomes for all children, we need long-term reform that better gears our school system around the needs of children and young people."

The report also calls for all schools to use counsellors and for a new primary school curriculum encouraging learning through play.

It highlights the Unicef research that placed the UK at the bottom of a league table of 21 industrialised countries when it comes to child welfare.

"Children's well-being is fundamental to their learning," said Ms Sodha. "Improving results can't just be about focusing on maths, English and science. Schools need support in developing healthy and happy young people."

Children's Minister Kevin Brennan said the Government encourages councils to adopt the standard school year - six terms of equal length spread evenly throughout the year - and about half of England's schools follow this system.

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