As schools prepare for the mid-term break, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin has expressed concern about an increasing number who take a half-day every Friday.
Last night Ms Hanafin told The Irish Times that she was dismayed by this new trend where some schools cut back on lunch, mid-morning and other break periods and use the time saved to close early on Fridays.
The Minister said: "We are seeing a new trend where breaks are being squeezed into a shorter timeframe. It is very important that schools give the pupils the time they need for healthy eating and extra curricular activities." The department, she said, is firmly opposed to these changes. Ms Hanafin reminded schools that any change to the school day can only be implemented with the agreement of school management and parents' representatives.
The department has also received informal reports that a number of primary and second-level schools plan to close early today for the Halloween half-term break. There is concern that this could inconvenience working parents. Under the common school year, agreed with the teaching unions three years ago, today is a regular school day.
The department said second-level schools are allowed some flexibility over working hours, provided pupils receive the standard 28 hours teaching time every week.
Schools are allowed to take a half-day once a week provided pupils receive these 28 hours. Many schools take a half-day on Wednesday for sports. But principals say schools are under increasing pressure from staff to close early on Fridays.
Inspectors have raised concerns about the impact of early Friday closures on some subjects, particularly maths.