The project is being piloted over a four-week period as part of the "extended schools" initiative.

If the scheme to help working families is successful it could be used in other schools across the country.

The scheme, which started on Monday, is being run at Southway Primary school, Tamerton Vale Primary, Langley Infant school and Langley Junior school.

And pupils who start the school day earlier will finish formal learning earlier - with the remainder of the day being given over to "fun" activities.

The initiative is being tested by pupils in Year 2 (six and sevenyear- olds) and Year 5 (nine and ten-year-olds).

The children took tests before the trial and they will be tested again after the four weeks to assess whether their learning capacities have been enhanced by working at different times and taking part in extended activities such as dance and music workshops.

Parents, teachers and pupils will keep diaries of their progress to record any problems such as children being overtired.

The results of the pilot will be published in October.

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