Changes to the timings of the school day

There is currently no statutory process for a school to follow for changing the school day in maintained schools or academies. However, good practice suggests that schools and academies consult and take account of the views of all interested parties before they decide to make any changes to the school day.

In maintained schools, the governing board is responsible for setting the length of the school day. You can set the school day as you see fit, as long as every school day has two sessions divided by a break.

Recommended process

• The headteacher draws up plans to change the school day
• The headteacher presents the plans to governors, who discuss and scrutinise them
• The school consults with parents and other stakeholders
• The headteacher or other senior leader analyses the responses, and presents them to the governing board
• The board considers the responses, and decides whether to go ahead with the proposed changes

Consultation with relevant parties

• Parents
  • It’s helpful to consult with parents on any changes to the school day. Changing the school day could alter their childcare or working arrangements, and consulting shows you’re being considerate of their needs. Therefore, we recommend that you consult parents and explain the proposed changes and the reasoning behind them.
• Other parties
  • Think about who else might be affected by changes you make to the school day. It’s a good idea to give them a chance to contribute to your plans. For example, you could talk to:
    • The local authority
    • Bus companies used to transport pupils to school
    • Nearby schools that pupils’ siblings may attend
    • Staff who run before and after school clubs

Give half a term’s notice – Give parents a minimum of half a term’s notice before adjusting the timing of the school day. This will give them enough time to discuss it with you if they wish, and sort out childcare or working arrangements if necessary.

Consultation

A good way of consulting is to send a letter setting out:

• Your proposed new timings for the school day
• How your new times differ from the timing of your current school day
• Why you want, or need to make the changes
• Where and how parents can send in their comments

Usually, this letter is sent by the headteacher, but could be from governors if you prefer.