Caterers will have to get up early if schools opt for morning-only lessons

School canteen staff could face earlier starts to their working day if planned trials in east London of a primary school day running from 8am to 1.45pm are successful.

The changes, which would see the provision of lunch abandoned in favour of big breakfasts and mid-morning snacks, could cause a headache for catering staff with childcare commitments.

During a strike by support staff in Newham, east London, schools were forced to open only in the morning. The schools provided breakfast and a snack, but no lunch. Teachers noticed improvements in children's attendance, performance, and behaviour.

Now, several schools in Newham intend to trial the new opening times. Any primary school can trial the revised school day under powers given to head teachers two years ago. The Department for Education and Skills has said it supported schools wishing to experiment with opening times.

Under the proposal, children would either go home at 1.45pm or stay on for sports, arts or languages until 3pm.

Jeff Holman of the National Association of Head Teachers said: "We all agree that children work better in the morning after a good breakfast. A lot of schools already have breakfast clubs and these schools in east London are building on their experience. But there are practical problems. There are extra cost involved as well as extra demands on teachers and catering staff. It will not suit all schools."

Vivianne Buller, chair of the Local Authority Caterers Association, said that morning-only lessons would be "an opportunity for caterers because they want children to have a proper breakfast". She added that provision of lunches for children staying on into the afternoon would open extra revenue potential.

Primary school hours around the world

• Australia: Standard day is a 9am start, finishing at 3pm.
• Germany: Classes start as early as 7.30am and finish by 1pm.
• Italy: Schools usually start at 8.30am and finish by 12.30pm. Children bring tea break; lunch is provided for those with working parents. Children can stay until 4.30pm.
• Spain: Primary school day starts at 9am. Break for lunch and recreational time at 12pm. Classes resume at 2.30pm, finishing at 4.30pm.
• Sweden: Each school can decide, but usually all day with break for lunch.
• Singapore: Most schools run double sessions - starting at 7.30am and finishing at 1pm. The second session starts at 1pm, finishing at 6.30pm.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper, 22 - 28 January 2004