Lincoln schools have voiced worry over the suggested new rules in the Conservative manifesto. Michael Gove, the education secretary, says that longer school days will drastically improve British state schools. Currently school days are 6 hours long; however the UK government are suggesting longer days of 9 or 10 hours. Gove said that the state will offer extra resources to schools in order to keep them open longer. The extended days will see teaching finish slightly earlier and extracurricular activities, which aim to ‘build a child’s character’, will take place in the afternoons.

Lincoln parents have voiced their concerns via social media and the internet. However, the suggestion of‘homework sessions’ also taking place in schools after teaching has been well received.

Anna Cross, Deputy Head teacher of Westgate School in Lincoln said: “I feel that it would have an adverse effect on the children and they’ll become exhausted. A 9 hour school day is longer than the average working day for adults.”

Claire Collett, Executive Head teacher of St. Faith and St. Martin Church of England Junior School in Lincoln said: “Although I cannot comment too much, I can say that it would put a greater strain on all teachers, pupils and schools across the UK.” Paul Kirby, a former Conservative advisor, has previously suggested a similar change to the state schools saying they should provide 45 hours of education per week for 45 weeks of the year.

He has also said: “longer school days could keep children off the streets, reduce crime and prepare them for their future in a working environment.”

‘TRADITIONAL’ PUNISHMENTS SUGGESTED FOR BRITISH SCHOOL CHILDREN

Children whom behave in a bad manner or cause disruption should complete ‘traditional’ punishments including mopping floors, writing lines and litter picking according to education secretary, Michael Gove MP.

Gove believes that teachers need to toughen up more and there it ‘a lot more improvement’ to be made.

The suggestion has caused mixed opinions in parents across the country. Lincoln parents on the school run unanimously disagreed with the idea.

“I think it is ridiculous, I wouldn’t want my son to come home and tell me he had mopped a floor instead of learning some maths.” Robin McCade, 28, father of one.

“My children have been brought up to help around the house. It ‘s making something that should be normal and respectful into a punishment.” Kay Branton, 39, mum of three.

Restoration is to begin on one of Lincoln’s most iconic landmarks.

The Newport Arch will benefit from an extra £80,000 after council executives agreed to put extra money towards the project.

The third century arch is owned by City of Lincoln Council, which has a duty of care to maintain it as an ancient monument.

This structure is the remnants of the north gate to the Roman legionary fortress and the late Roman upper town it is comprised of a main archway and a smaller pedestrian archway.

Work began last October to repair the arch but when repairs started a number of further issues came to light.

Coucil leader Ric Metcalfe said: “We were absolutely delighted to agree the extra funding. This is an iconic ancient monument we have a legal and moral duty to maintain.”

The project has already received £60,000 from the Heritage fund grant from WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited) and the additional funding will come from two of the council’s budgets.

Local resident Aron Montford said: “I’m really pleased that the arch is being restored and it is good of the council to add extra funding.”

The contract for restoring the arch was awarded to Robert Woodhead Ltd, who began work on site last October to stabilise parts of the arch, replace eroded stones and add a layer of stonework to the top to protect the Roman brickwork.