NUT votes to strike over five term year in Nottingham
Members of a teaching union have voted to take strike action over plans to introduce a five-term year in Nottingham.
The City Council wants to move from the traditional three terms in September 2013, creating a shorter summer holiday.
It said the new arrangements will improve attainment levels.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) said longer terms will lead to children becoming more tired and unproductive.
Eighty eight per cent of NUT members in Nottingham who took part in the ballot voted in favour of striking.
The union said it remained committed to resolving the dispute through negotiation but would decide if and when it is appropriate to take any strike action.
John Illingworth, from the NUT in Nottingham, said: "With younger children, with longer terms, the last couple of weeks are unproductive in learning taking place.
"The longer six week break is very important for children to consolidate what they've learned to relax and refresh themselves."
Councillor David Mellen, who has responsibility for education at the city council, said the changes will help to raise academic standards.
He said: "We have established the principle that having a shorter summer holiday is something that we think is good for the children and that was endorsed by our consultation last year.
"Around the edges we can come to slight changes, but that's within a principle of a decision that has already been made."