§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he has any plans to alter the school day in order that a continental day may be adopted;
(2) if he will assess the potential drawbacks and advantages of adopting a policy of changing the school day to one closer to that used on the continent, including any cost implications for local education authorities.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend has no plans to amend the relevant provisions in the Education (Schools and Further Education) Regulations 1981, which allow local authorities some flexibility in the fixing of school hours. He recognises that a school day which left the afternoon free — the practice in a small number of continental countries—might offer potential savings in some cases but that there could be serious implications, for example, for parents, teachers, providers of school transport, and the children themselves.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether any local education authority has submitted proposals to him for the introduction of a continental school day.
§ Mr. DunnThere is no statutory requirement upon local education authorities to submit proposals to my right hon. Friend concerning the school day, but their arrangements must comply with the relevant provisions of the Education (Schools and Further Education) Regulations, 1981.