Parents divided over early Friday school finish

CEO of Harbour Learning Trust Richard Briggs says the early Friday finish will improve quality of learning for their pupils

A decision to end the school day early on a Friday at two schools in North East Lincolnshire has been met with a varied reaction from parents.

William Barcroft Junior School in Cleethorpes and Woodlands Academy in Grimsby have started ending the school day at 12:45 BST on a Friday.

The Harbour Learning Trust, which runs the primaries, said it was to give teachers more time to plan lessons and there would be after-school activities for those children who need them.

One parent said he liked it as it allowed him to spend more time with his children, while another said it was "ridiculous" and "hard for parents who work".

The Trust, which also runs schools in Lincoln, Healing and Great Coates, carried out a consultation at all of its primary schools in the summer, asking parents and carers for their views on the proposals, which also included an earlier start of 15 minutes and a shorter lunch break.

Of its five schools, only two decided to go ahead with the idea, while none went ahead with changing the start of the school day or reducing lunch breaks, although William Barcroft has reduced lunchtimes on a Friday to 45 minutes.

In a letter sent to parents and carers seen by the BBC, the Trust said that teachers currently spend one afternoon a week away from class to plan lessons and that during these times, pupils are taught by other school staff, or external sports coaches.

The letter said by introducing the revised timetable, pupils would only be taught by a fully qualified teacher.

Richard Briggs, the Trust's chief executive officer, said there would be a comprehensive offer of support and activities in and out of school on Friday afternoons for children impacted by the changes.

Parent Peter Grant said he will enjoy spending more time with his children

Parents outside the school gates at William Barcroft had mixed views about the changes.

Peter Grant, from Cleethorpes, said: "I like it because we can spend a little bit more time with them, but it might be difficult for some people with work.

"It's time we can spend with them and I think they're happy about it, although it's something I voted against because of the education they might be missing out on a little bit."

Demi Bourne said: "To be fair, it doesn't suit me because I have to get my daughter at five past one and then get my son and he is at another nursery, so it doesn't benefit me."

Aaran Roberts added: "It's ridiculous!

"It's hard for parents that work. Luckily, our son is in an (after-school) club already, but if he wasn't it would be awkward for us."

Aaran Roberts thinks the idea is ridiculous because it is hard for parents who work

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