Thousands of school kids across Edinburgh will begin the new school year with a two day week, after the City Council decided to push ahead with plans to hold an extra in-service day in August.

Pupils across the city will now return from their summer holidays on Thursday August 19, to allow staff an extra day to prepare for the implementation of the Government's Curriculum of Excellence.

The City Council had consulted staff and Parent Councils on their proposal to tag the extra day on to the existing in-service schedule. Officials received 18 responses protesting the change and 18 backing it. Objectors claimed the move would leave children unable to settle at the start of term.

However, officials insisted the low rate of response showed there was no significant objection to the move.

A letter to all headteachers from the Council's schools team said the choice of date would make things easier for parents, saying it would give "more warning for any childcare arrangements which they may have to put in place".

The day will be used by staff to make last minute preparations for the Government's new education and assessment programme.