A consultation on setting the term dates for the 2011/12 school year is underway and everyone affected is being encouraged to give their views.

Discussions have already started with trade unions representing teachers and neighbouring authorities on two possible proposals regarding the annual issue.

The main difference to the two proposals surrounds the Easter holidays, with option one seeing the two week vacation starting on Good Friday and option two the week before.

Many of the city's Catholic schools are known to prefer option one but the consultation is a chance for everyone to give their views.

The 2011/12 year will see everyone enjoy an extra day's bank holiday to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Tuesday 5th June has been picked nationally as the additional day off marking the Monarch's 60 years on the throne. The late May bank holiday will also be moved to Monday 4th June to create a special four-day break.

Option one of the term date proposals would see the autumn term start on Tuesday 6th September and end on Friday 16th December 2011 with half term the week beginning Monday 24th October 2011.

Spring term would start on Tuesday 3rd January and end on Thursday 5th April 2012 with half term the week beginning Monday 13th February 2012.

Easter would last for two weeks from Friday 6th April with summer term starting on Monday 23rd April until Tuesday 24th July with half term the week beginning Monday 4th June.

Option two would see autumn term starting on Monday 5th September and end on Friday 16th December 2011 with half term the week beginning Monday 24th October 2011.

Spring term would start on Tuesday 3rd January and end on Friday 30th March 2012 with half term the week beginning Monday 13th February 2012.

Easter would last for two weeks from Monday 2nd April with summer term starting on Monday 16th April until Friday 20th July with half term the week beginning 4th June.