Cut in school hours not ruled out

A CUT in primary school opening hours after 2015 has not been ruled out by Highland Council, despite parent power quashing the controversial proposal last year.

The SNP-led administration dropped the suggestion which was contained in a public budget cuts consultation after widespread hostility from parents.

The ruling coalition had claimed shortening school days for primary four and five pupils at schools by 30 minutes per day could save £3.2m a year, but scrapped the idea prior to approving its spending plan for the next two years.

But the council has admitted the idea of a reduced school week could be investigated again in 2015, after opposition councillor Andrew Baxter submitted a written question ahead of the full council meeting in Inverness next Thursday.

In the answer, the authority stated it was likely to be facing “very significant” financial pressures in 2015/16 and all proposals would have to be revisited and consulted on again.

The Lochaber councillor said he sought more information after the budget-setting meeting last month at which he said councillor Alasdair Christie - the adult and children’s services committee chairman - had stated the issue was off the agenda when asked.

Councillor Baxter said he wanted clarity because in that council meeting’s papers it appeared to be still under consideration.

“The council is still considering it,” said Councillor Baxter, who vowed to fight any move to reintroduce the savings idea.

“I am saying that as parent who has two children going into primary school in the next two to three years. It would enormously affect parents in the Highlands, with extra child care and lots of parents who are working part-time.”