THOUSANDS of parents have hit out at a council's decision to cut school hours for primary children, amid warnings the move could pave the way for similar reductions in school hours across Scotland.

More than 3200 people have sign a petition calling for West Dunbartonshire to reverse plans to trim 2.5 hours a week from youngsters' time in school.

The local authority, which like others around the country is having to make cut-backs to balance the books, estimates it will save around £1 million.

Parents claim the move will place their children at a disadvantage compared to pupils in other authorities and have questioned how working families will cope with a potential 9.30am start.

The decision, which will see pupils lose out on 19 days education over a school year, has also been criticised by teaching union EIS who claim it is an "attack" on teacher numbers and the future of the area's young people.

The EIS said it will ballot its members on industrial action, adding that it is vital to fight the decision in a bid to stop other local authorities - some of whom are already considering a similar move - doing the same.

Fiona Keegan, of Duntocher, near Clydebank, who has a child in primary three and another due to start school in August, branded the move "ridiculous".

She said: "I just feel really angry and actually quite sad that we've chosen to live in a council area where our children are going to miss out on the education they deserve.

"I've not come across a parent yet who has said 'you know what, it'll be fine'. Everyone is really angry."

Mrs Keegan, 33, added the majority of people who took part in a consultation on the issue voted against it but the council ignored their wishes.

She said. "The parents and local people of West Dunbartonshire just haven't been listened to at all. We've been completely disregarded.

"I know parents in other authorities are beginning to worry now too, there's a big fear that if they can do it here, they can do it anywhere."

As well as signing the petition, hundreds of parents also posted angry messages on the council's Facebook page.

Another mother, Claire Ritchie, wrote: "Our children are immediately on the back foot - they will lose 10 hours a month compared to kids in other regions. Completely unacceptable!"

While Gemma Pryde also posted: "Sad day when the education of our kids has to suffer to balance the books."

Iain Ellis, chair of the West Dunbartonshire Parent Strategy Forum, added: "The main worry is the attainment of the children. How is that going to be affected if they lose 19 days at school?"

The cut will see children's time in class drop to 22.5 hours in line with teachers' contracted class time.

A further 2.5 hours of preparation time, known as McCrone, are usually covered by another teacher but this will no longer be required - prompting claims around 30 jobs will go.

The council said it will extend its breakfast club service by 30 minutes to allow parents to drop their children off at the usual time, while there will also be a reduction in school assemblies and reward time for children to make up for the lost time.

However, the EIS said this was simply a "smokescreen" covering up an attack on teacher numbers and children's education.

Stewart Paterson, the union's local secretary, said: "We're angry about attack on teacher numbers, but it's not just about that. This is a deprived area, the kids need every minute in the classroom, and we'll fight this all the way."

Mr Paterson added the move would "absolutely" open the doors for other authorities to do the same.

He said: "I'm aware that others are considering it, that's why it's even more important that we make a stand here - including balloting our members on industrial action."

A council spokesman explained that its budget had been reduced by 22 per cent over the last five years, with further cuts predicted.

She added: "The council opposes these cuts but must take tough decisions to balance its budget.

"The new timetable would be shorter but the teaching time with the class teacher remains protected and will deliver our pupils a high quality of education."

It is to consult with parents to decide how best to implement the reduction, which will be introduced in a phased approach.

On Wednesday, Finance Secretary John Swinney announced a £51m package to help authorities recruit new staff, but he warned officials that they would not receive a penny unless they prove teacher numbers will be maintained.