Why are schools being forced to send pupils home early?

Analysis: Four and a half day weeks are being adopted by headteachers across the country

Labour MP Jess Phillips joins a protest against schools being forced to close early (PA)

Many employees would happily welcome an early finish on a Friday. But when children’s education is at stake, the prospect of a four and a half day week is deeply unpopular among families.

Hundreds of children and parents marched on Westminster this week to oppose a rising number of schools across the country that are being forced to close at lunchtime every Friday.

Campaigners and unions say real-term funding cuts are to blame for the reduction in teaching hours as headteachers, who have already made a series of cuts in other areas, try to balance the budget.