A public consultation was held at Helston Community College last week over proposed changes to the timing of the school day.

The meeting, chaired by headteacher Patrick McGovern, was described by deputy head David Taylor as being "very positive", with around 30 parents attending.

The proposals would see a change to the structure of the school day, incorporating a shorter lunch break of 35 minutes and an earlier finish time of 3.10pm.

There is also a debate over whether to change the current timetable of three morning lessons and two afternoon lessons to four lessons preceding lunch and one following.

However, inevitable concerns have arisen from parents, in particular over the length of time children would go without food and problems concerning bus timetables.

The changes may also result in childcare problems. With many parents out at work, the changes would increase the period of time some children would be without supervision.

The school intends to resolve this problem by offering a range of extra-curricular activities, such as drama, music and sport, from 3.10pm, providing later buses for children who attend these sessions.

The school sees the changes as essential, due to the lack of supervision available at lunchtimes and the lack of appropriate indoor space during periods of bad weather. Currently, the 1,350 pupils at the school are being supervised at break times by just six supervisors.

"It's the basic issue about the safety of children," said Mr Taylor.

No decision over the proposals has yet been made, with further consultation by the school with bus companies and pupils being seen as the next step.

Mr Taylor promised that parents would be kept "suitably informed" of developments. However, the deputy head admitted that it was inevitable that some form of change would be introduced by September.

"The chances are that it has to come, in order to provide safety for the children of Helston Community College," he said.