Parents in Redruth have given their views on a government experiment to start the school day earlier for primary aged children.

A pilot project will take place in Newham, east London, later this year to discover whether standards could be raised in schools if children finished lessons at about 1.45pm.

The study will explore whether an early start and lunchtime finish would make youngsters more productive and improve attendance. The experiment is likely to begin with one or two schools in September and could involve 20 the following year.

The move follows reports from some headteachers that pupils concentrate more in the mornings and can have difficulty settling down after the lunch break.

The authority conducting the experiment feels the change would allow more pupils to take part in sport or go on trips with their parents, particularly in the summer months.

Last week, parents with children at Trewirgie Infant and Junior Schools were asked what they thought about the idea, with the majority responding unfavourably.

Denise Blight, from Sparnon Hill, who is also a dinner assistant at the school, feared she would have to go to work earlier to help provide breakfasts. "It's not better for the children because they can't get up early and parents will need more child care. I can't see it working, though in principle it sounds good," she said.

Michelle and Antony Mardenborough, from Scorrier, were concerned about the implications for working parents. "If you've got both parents working, how could they come out of work early?" asked Antony. "It's difficult enough as it is."

The couple said they believed school holidays should be made shorter.

Fergus Chipman, from Coach Lane, agreed saying: "Not such a bad idea, maybe, there's a lot involved. It goes quite wide into people's work and being able to get away but then a lot of jobs are being split into two."

Stephen Barnes, of Clinton Road, felt parents would just have to fork out more for babysitters. "It's no point working just to keep child minders in employment," he said.

"It's a good idea, but eight o'clock is too early," said Lorraine Kinzel, from Southgate Street. "The kids would have to get up at 6.30am. They would be coming to school in the pitch black."

"It's a bit early," added Beverley Blight, of Albany Road. "It's better the way it is. I like the long school day."