19 h. ago France’s eight weeks of summer holidays, or England's six? I’ve done both and know which one I prefer | Gillian Harvey

With vacations of up to 14 weeks on the continent, education can suffer – although on the plus side childcare and holidays are much more affordableRemember the summer holidays of your childhood – the seemingly endless, sunny days many of us look back on fondly? Those six “precious” weeks look very different when you’re a parent. Having to feed, entertain, look after and fund your offspring during the extended break can sometimes make the summer seem endless for all the wrong reasons.Parents in England where, as in Scotland and Wales, the school summer break is six weeks, have complained that this is too long, and are backing a reduction to four weeks. Pity then the parents in mainland Europe: French school holidays last for eight weeks. In some regions of Italy, summer is a whopping 14-weeks long. Having birthed and brought up my five children in France, only moving back to England in April last year when my eldest was 14 and my youngest nine, I’ve experienced summers on both sides ...

Politics

23 h. ago 'Amazing value' outdoor cinema has been hailed a 'great day out' for the kids' school holidays

You can get tickets for four people for just £13.75 each, making the outdoor cinema a fun and affordable way to spend the children's school holidays this summer

Culture

26 h. ago 50 things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this school holidays summer 2025

From park trails and Pac-Man to mazes and museums, there are so many activities and events to keep kids happy this summer

Politics

27 h. ago All the places kids can eat for free or for £1 over the school summer holidays

Some of our favourite chain restaurants are offering brilliant deals this summer holiday, so you can take your children out on a budget.

Economics

30 h. ago The 22 best things to do with kids this summer in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion

We're within touching distance of the school summer holidays, so it's time to plan for a summer of fun with your family where thousands of us head to each year - west Wales

Politics

39 h. ago Met Office forecasts ‘thunderstorms’ and ‘heavy downpours’ as school summer holidays get underway

Most UK schools break up today for summer, but what is the weather looking like over the next week?

Events

40 h. ago Weather maps show where the heaviest rain falls this weekend as summer holidays begin

It's looking like a pretty wet start to the school summer holidays

Politics

44 h. ago Met Office tells Brits in 80 places to prepare 'emergency' kit with three items

Met Office weather forecasters have told millions of Brits to prepare as several amber and yellow weather warnings are in place for serious thunderstorms this weekend

Politics

44 h. ago London weather: Thunderstorm alert raised to severe as capital warned of 'significant flooding' threat

Amber warning for thunderstorms issued for between 4am and 11am on Saturday

Events

46 h. ago London weather: Thunderstorm alert for capital as Met Office warns of flash floods into weekend

Yellow thunderstorms alert lasts from 9pm on Friday until 6pm on Saturday

Events

47 h. ago Manchester's hourly weekend weather forecast and when thunderstorms are set to hit amid Met Office warning

As Oasis fans get ready for the next set of homecoming concerts the weekend weather looks to be very, well, Mancunian

Events

56 h. ago Majority of teachers fear children will go hungry during school holidays, survey says

Two thirds of teachers in England are worried that children in their school will go hungry during the summer holidays, according to new research.

Society

63 h. ago Summer Sight Safety: Top tips to look after your eyes this summer

Now that summer is here and the school holidays are nearly upon us, many of us are planning time outdoors and travelling in both the UK and abroad.

Politics

64 h. ago End of long school holidays? Half of parents want summer slashed to FOUR weeks and longer winter breaks

Research by the charity Parentkind found many families think the up-coming six-week break is too long, often citing childcare as an issue.

Politics

68 h. ago Rain's on the way... just in time for the hosepipe ban! England braces for much

Forecasters have issued a yellow 'danger to life' thunderstorm warning from 9pm tomorrow until 6pm on Saturday amid concerns over possible flooding, power cuts and travel disruption.

Politics

68 h. ago Lego's ultimate portable toy for school summer holidays drops to £2 with deal

The cute suitcase contains 213 pieces offering endless building possibilities

Economics

69 h. ago London weather: Thunderstorm alert for capital as Met Office issues 'deadly' flood warning

Yellow thunderstorms alert lasts from 9pm on Friday until 6pm on Saturday

Events

3 d. ago London weather: Capital to swelter in ‘sticky’ 30C before weekend thunderstorms, forecasters warn

‘It’s going to feel more sticky’ as temperatures reach predicted 30C peak on Friday

Events

4 d. ago Oasis at Manchester Heaton Park Met Office weather forecast for Wednesday July 16

Oasis are bringing their reunion tour to Heaton Park for three more nights this week

Society

4 d. ago Germany’s 16 states locked in row over dates of school summer holidays

Two southern states cling to past ruling that children are needed for harvest and claim the latest, most favoured slotGermany’s 16 states are locked in a fierce row over when they are able to take their summer school holidays, with the southernmost two accused of permanently hogging the best slots on the grounds that their children are required to help bring in the harvest.Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are resisting calls from the other 14 federal states to join the long-held national rotation system of school summer holidays that the other states take part in. Continue reading...

Politics