Have your say on INSET days in schools

Have your say on INSET days in schools

The Welsh Government wants to hear from you! We’re making plans about INSET days. These are special days when teachers don’t teach lessons because they are learning new things to help them teach better.

What could change

• Schools could have 6 INSET days every year starting in 2026, instead of 5.
• These days would help teachers learn about:
  • the new curriculum
  • supporting learners with additional learning needs
  • national priorities for education
  • new qualifications
• We want to ask schools to plan and communicate INSET days carefully so teachers can make the most of the days, and to help families plan around them.

Why does this matter to you

INSET days can change your school calendar. They might mean extra days off for you. The point of INSET days is for teachers to learn and improve, so they can teach you well. We want schools to work together on the training. Sometimes parents and carers can struggle to make sure someone can look after their children on INSET days. We want to make sure these plans work well for everyone.

What are we asking

We want your views on things like:

• should schools have 6 INSET days every year?
• should these days be mainly for teachers to learn and plan?
• should schools tell families about INSET days at the start of the year?
• should schools avoid putting too many INSET days together?
• how can these plans support the Welsh language?

What do learners think now

A team called Children in Wales spoke to lots of learners. Here’s what they said:

• most learners like INSET days because they can rest, see friends, or catch up on work
• some want more INSET days for family time or revision
• others want fewer INSET days, so they don’t miss lessons
• learners suggested fun ideas like trips, sports, and safe spaces for those who need support

We’ve also asked a team of researchers to talk to schools, councils and other people who are involved in INSET days, so we can know how well they work and how they could be better. We’ll be considering all this research, as well as this consultation, before we make a decision.

How to share your ideas

You can:

• Fill in the response form
• Email us at INSETConsultation2025@gov.wales
• Or post your response to 

Leadership Branch
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

Deadline: 4 February 2026

Consultation questions

Question 1: 6 INSET days

Do you agree that schools should have 6 INSET days every year starting from 2026?

Question 2: what INSET days are for

Should these days be mainly for teachers to learn, plan and prepare for things like the new curriculum? 

Question 3: working together

Should schools try to plan INSET days at the same time as other schools nearby?
This would help families with children in different schools and let teachers work together.

Question 4: telling families

Should schools tell parents and carers at the start of the year when INSET days will be and what they’re for?

Question 5: not too many together

Should schools avoid putting more than 2 INSET days in a row?

Question 6: twilight sessions

Sometimes INSET happens after school (called twilight sessions) so teachers get an extra free day when learners are not in school. Should schools only do this twice a year?

Question 7: focus on teaching

Should at least 4 of the 6 INSET days be about learning and teaching? Sometimes, teachers need to learn about things not related to the classroom.

Question 8 : the Welsh language

How do you think these plans will affect the Welsh language?

• Will it help people use Welsh more?
• Could it make things harder for Welsh speakers?
• How can we make sure Welsh is treated at least the same as English?