Proposed major changes to Leicestershire's July Fortnight have gone back to the drawing board, with officials saying they are looking to retain "the county's tradition".

Leicestershire County Council's cabinet met on Tuesday, March 24, to launch a consultation about proposed changes to school term breaks during the Leicestershire Fortnight – also known as the July Fortnight – from autumn 2027 to summer 2032.

The council originally looked at three proposals, with the preferred model meaning parents and children would lose a week from the Leicestershire Fortnight and have a two-week autumn break instead of the existing one-week off.

The second proposal included a later summer holiday for children, with them breaking up on a Thursday instead of a Monday, as well as a later autumn half-term break, which would also be extended by another week.

The final proposal was sticking to the traditional Leicestershire Fortnight.

Council bosses were supposed to agree on the proposals and start the consultation in April; however, at the 11th hour, the proposals and consultation were temporarily pulled off the table with plans to "reconsider options" around the planned term timings.

Tim Browne, interim director of education, addressed the county council's cabinet and said, after discussions with Reform cabinet member Cllr Charles Pugsley, that officers would "reconsider their options" but would also look to modify the council's second proposal so it is "in keeping with the Leicestershire tradition".

It comes as Labour councillors claim that local parents and teachers "overwhelmingly" want to keep the Leicestershire Fortnight before issuing a letter to the council's cabinet.

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In response to the letter, Reform deputy Cllr Kevin Crook pushed back, emphasising that the proposals were "required by law" and about "letting people have their say before decisions were made".

He added: "The proper way to gather that feedback is through the very channels being proposed, not through selective posts on Facebook.

"We are simply agreeing for our officers to consult so that residents can respond to the actual option in the report, not to exaggerated headlines or briefings".

Cllr Crook said that it was "important" that the council "set the right pattern for families so they respect the traditions of Leicestershire". He also said he "supported the approach" of asking officers to review the proposals again, particularly proposal two.

Cllr Carl Abbott said it was "important" to hear from residents around term dates and that it would allow the council "further time to consider the right options".

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Labour councillor Jewel Miah said he was "happy" about the decision.

He added: "It brings families temporary relief to our residents and parents, however, they did say they'll bring it back with a look at the recommendations.

"We'll see what that comes back as and if it's not something I can support or parents can support, we'll be making that point across".

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A new report with proposals is set to be presented to the council's cabinet on April 28.