A MAJOR teaching union has welcomed plans which could see a change to the school year in Suffolk.The National Union of Teachers support the idea of proposed changes which are still being discussed by Suffolk County Council and include increasing the number of school terms to six.

A MAJOR teaching union has welcomed plans which could see a change to the school year in Suffolk.

The National Union of Teachers support the idea of proposed changes which are still being discussed by Suffolk County Council and include increasing the number of school terms to six.

But while supporting the principle of change, teachers feel the summer holiday should be at least six weeks so they return in September 'refreshed' and more in line with schools in Europe.

An Independent Commission sponsored by the Local Government Association has been looking at organisation in schools and has proposed changing the school year to six terms. Currently in Suffolk there are four terms per year.

The commission believes the changes starting in 2003-04 would reduce stress on pupils, students and teachers and 'would not be incompatible' with the interests of families or business, including the tourism sector.

Martin Goold, Suffolk secretary for the National Union of Teachers, said: "One thing that does appeal to all teachers is to regularise the spring and summer terms.

"The question is over the length of the summer term. People might not realise that the summer holidays in England and Wales are shorter than in European countries."