Local Primary Considers Shortening School Week

St Mary's Isleworth planning early closure Friday due to funding shortfall

St Mary's Primary School Isleworth

The head and Governors at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Isleworth, are currently consulting parents on a proposal to close the school at lunchtime on Fridays.

The plan would allow for the same number of school teaching hours in a shorter week, by saving the costs of cover for teachers’ statutory non-contact time. There has been a mixed reaction from parents with many concerned about the extra child-care costs that will be incurred if the school closes early.

The MP for Brentford and Isleworth says that early closure being considered shows the impact Government budget decisions are having on schools and the measures they need to take to make ends meet.

She said, “This drastic option is being considered because funds the school receives from Government has not kept up with rising costs, and comes after five years of significant cutbacks at St Mary's including; loss of support staff, less music, reduced leadership capacity, fewer class materials and a charge to parents for basics such as pencils and glue.

“I have raised the concerns of Hounslow schools about the cuts with Government Ministers, and invited them to visit St Mary's. I am disappointed that to date, the invitation has been declined.”

She added that she was confident the Governors of the school would listen to the comments made by parents. She plans to meet the head and Governors, and also parents of children attending St Mary's.

January 30, 2018