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Spencer Ward, who was also waiting to pick up his children, says the longer half-term is a positive change for his family.
“It’s been good. It’s been a nice little break to spend a bit more time,” he says. “I look at it and say it’s probably good… from a mental health perspective as well… You need that little bit of time for the kids to relax a bit more.”
The benefits to children and staff were also highlighted by head teacher Lucy Harold, of nearby Edgar Sewter Primary School.
She introduced a two-week autumn half-term in the Suffolk school two years ago.
“It gives that opportunity for children to have a longer break, come back refreshed and ready to learn,” she says.
“A lot of the children that we have, even at five years of age, you see the impact particularly towards the end of the autumn term.”
“It’s a critical time for them to recharge those batteries and come back ready for the new year.”
A well-being expert also suggests a two-week break can benefit families in terms of bonding and reducing stress.
Dr Linda Papadopoulos says: “It gives parents and their children time to bond, it gives parents time to relax, and essentially what we all know as experts is that well-rested parents are better positioned to help their children. And it’s not just about the amount of time, it’s about the quality of time.”
But she stresses the importance of providing support for families who may struggle with extra childcare demands.
“The fact that they are able to look after their families’ well-being in this regular way is actually something that’s going to support the development of those children,” she adds.