Non-operational Dates 2025/26

Please note that the Department of Education is preparing a revised Circular, in relation to school operating days, including school development days, for the 2025-26 school year. This Circular will issue in the near future and will assist you in finalising school calendar dates for 2025-26. When the revised DE Circular has been published, EA will contact you again to request that you submit your school calendar dates for 2025-26.  A template will issue shortly for completion and return to EA.

On these dates school meals, Home to School transport (including transport for statemented pupils), EA Non-Hazardous Waste Contract Services supplied by RiverRidge and Washroom Waste Services supplied by PHS will not operate.

Translink bus/train passes will not be valid on these dates also.

If schools on RiverRidge Waste Contract Services require a collection during these closure periods a request should be made to service@riverridge.co.uk

If schools on PHS Washroom Waste Services Contract require a collection during these closure periods a request should be made to RebeccaLemon@phs.co.uk

Please note that if Governors choose to open their school to pupils on an EA non-operational day, they must ensure that parents are aware of this and should give due regard to how the school will comply with all requirements in relation to the provision of Free School Meals, Pupil Transport and pupil safety etc.

We would also take the opportunity to remind schools that if they propose to change their opening/closing dates, and require home to school transport services, they must first liaise with the transport service so we can determine if there is network capacity to accommodate the proposed change.

EA non-operational dates for home to school transport, catering and waste collection services 2025/26.

• For 2025/2026 the total school holiday entitlement is 68 days. This leaves 3 days for optional closure at the discretion of the school and these should be marked as such on your calendar return.