PARENTS fighting plans to change the times of the school day at three Bournemouth schools have branded the consultation process a sham.

They claim bosses at the Avonbourne Trust have already made the decision and that claims they are listening to the views of parents are not true.

Chief executive Debbie Godfrey-Phaure has held meetings with parents about the proposals, which would see Avonwood primary close at 3pm instead of 3.30pm from September.

Pupils at neighbouring Avonbourne and Harewood secondary schools would finish later at 3.30pm.

Minutes of the trust annual meeting, held in January, suggest a decision has already been taken.

At the meeting, deputy chief executive Adam Coshan stated: "Next year will see a change to the school day to incorporate a single lunchtime in the secondary colleges and allow for an earlier finish time at Avonwood."

One parent told the Daily Echo: "This proves that the decision has already been taken and that the consultation process is just a box-ticking exercise.

"As parents we like to know what is going on. To be told nothing has been decided, then find out it has, is very disappointing."

She said many parents oppose the planned changes and have taken time off work to attend the meetings and give their views.

Parents said many chose Avonwood for their children because of the later finishing time and that they will be forced to use after-school clubs due to work commitments.

They are unhappy that their children will be at school for two-and-a-half hours a week less than they are now.

And they said parents whose children will be starting in Reception at Avonwood in September have also not been consulted.

One mum, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Echo: "Many of the parents chose this school specifically because of the 3.30pm finish time. A lot of us have children at two or more different schools and we can’t be in two places at once.

"It could also have a bad effect on working parents because they have planned their working day around the school finishing time."

Another parent said: "The after school club here costs £8 per day and I will have to pay that just for half-an-hour. My daughter is only six and I don’t want her to be at school until 6pm."

A spokesman for Avonbourne Trust said: "At the time of the Trust AGM, which was an open meeting, no final decision had been made regarding the new closing times for our academies.

"The AGM, in January, received an update of our intention to open our secondary school academies later and close Avonwood Primary earlier.

"In a letter to parents we set out our intention to change the school day and we invited them attend two events to share their views and any concerns. At those events we explained the reasons why we were changing the school day and asked parents to give their input on the specific new times and changes to the timetable being proposed.

"Those views have been listened to and we'd like to thank all the parents who have taken the time to share their views with us. We'll be writing to parents later this week to let them know of our final decision."