Parents of one of Cumbria's largest primary schools could be faced with children on holiday at different times, after a shake up in term dates.

Stanwix School, led by headteacher Kuldip McMullan, claims the decision is in response to an increasing number of pupils being taken on holiday during term time.

However, the changes - the largest of which will see a two-week half-term break - mean some parents could be left with childcare issues and siblings on holiday at different times.

Governors at Stanwix School say the changes will come into force for the 2018/19 academic year starting in September.

Cumbrian schools largely follow the county council's designated term dates. Its half-term in May 2019 is scheduled to take place from May 27 to May 31.

Stanwix School pupils will however be on half-term for two weeks, from May 27 to June 7.

Governors at Stanwix School state that "increased unauthorised absences regarding holiday in term time" are why they are taking action.

Figures from the school show the numbers have gone up.

In the 2015/16 school year the figure was 128 pupils and in 2016/17 it was 151. The figure currently sits at 103 after two terms of the current academic year and all relate to children taking holidays, the school has confirmed.

Ray Helm, chairman of the governing body, insists the changes are being made for the benefit of pupils, with the school always looking to act in their best interest and provide the best education possible.

Changes to the 2019/20 terms have also been proposed, but governors have now agreed to review the situation after a year.

About 70 parents attended a meeting at Stanwix School, which is an academy, on Tuesday night after governors revealed their plans just before the Easter break.

The News & Star understands a number of parents are unhappy and have "major concerns" including:

* the impact on families who have more than one child who go to different schools

* the term dates are different to neighbouring schools, particularly Trinity School of which Stanwix is a feeder primary

* lack of available childcare options and holiday clubs when Stanwix School could be the only school with children off

* the impact for parents who work in other education establishments.

A school spokeswoman said: "Those that attended were parents who were supportive of the changes, those that just wanted clarity on the rationale and those that opposed the changes.

"The result of the meeting was that it was clear, even with only nine per cent of parent attendance, that changes will impact on people differently dependent on circumstances."

She added: "The meeting concluded by a parent thanking the governors for their time and efforts as volunteers in the school and making what can at times be difficult decisions for the good of the school.

"The proposed dates are final and will be reviewed after a year to see the impact on unauthorised absences."

A number of parents were angered by the school's lack of consultation on the issue.

A school spokeswoman insisted they had done nothing wrong, but accepted it could have been handled differently.

"There is no legal requirement to consult with parents on term dates," she said. "However, on reflection, it may have been better to send a detailed letter advising of changes and asking for feedback.

"We take this on board and are happy to learn from this situation."

Stanwix School currently has 422 pupils from the ages of four to 11.

* Earlier this week it was revealed that 65 fines had been handed out to parents in Cumbria last year for their children's absences from school.

Mums and dads were given the cash penalty after the county council acted over pupils persistently failing to turn up to class.

It says it only does this after other measures fail, acting to improve attendance to benefit the pupils' education.

Latest figures revealed the total number of fines had dropped, with numbers down by more than 50 per cent on the year before.

Cumbria also has a lower rate of fines than the national average.

The figures, from the Department for Education, cover the 2016/17 academic year - last year's school year.

Fines are £60 if paid within 21 days and £120 within 28 days.