PUPILS have had half an hour slashed off their school day as part of changes introduced this week.
From Monday children attending Rhyl’s Blessed Edward Jones RC School enjoyed a shorter school day, being allowed home at 2.45pm instead of the normal 3.15pm.
The early finish follows the halving of pupil’s lunch hour to just 30 minutes.
The move has angered some parents concerned about pressure on childcare provision, lack of consultation and the effect a shorter lunch break will have on children’s development outside the classroom.
They have contacted Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane to ask for an urgent meeting with school bosses.
Letters went out to parents of the school’s 500 pupils in early October explaining the proposals aimed at introducing staggered 30 minute lunch breaks helping make better use of the school’s dining hall and canteen.
Headteacher David Lewis said that of the 500 letters that were handed out to children only 12 responses were received requesting a meeting - a request dismissed by the school’s Chair of Governors due to the small number of replies.
Mr Lewis said the amount of in-class time was unaffected by the changes and revealed the school had introduced a Breakfast Club starting at 8.15am ahead of school start-time of 8.45am together with a Homework Club which ran to 4pm in a bid to address childcare issues.
He agreed the moves would be reviewed in the future but said he and staff had been buoyed by the reaction of pupils.
“It seems to have been very positive for the young people.”