At a recent seminar held at the Institute of Education in London, there was positive enthusiasm from some and a guarded caution from others but the overwhelming view was that this should be taken forward as a national initiative after national debate.

Some of the difficulties that East Sussex encountered in its proposals for change related to the “go-it-alone” principle and the question, what happens at the edges?

The establishment in June by the Local Government Association of an independent commission to examine a move to five terms is welcome. It is just a pity that on such an issue, where a national move towards change is almost essential that, for once, the Department for Education and Employment has remained silent.

Chris McDonnell

Headteacher

Fulfen primary

Burntwood, Staffordshire